Understanding Unions

Unions and the Early Learning Field in Washington State
June 28, 2007 

Child Care Resource & Referral programs maintain a neutral stance on unions and union membership.  Many providers have contacted their local R&R with questions about the union.  This objective paper is written for informational purposes only to address common questions.

What is a union?

A union is an organization of wage earners that is set up to serve and advance its members’ interests. For child care providers, union benefits might include:

• higher subsidy reimbursement rates from the state
• access to affordable health care
• increased access to affordable resources such as professional development programs
• legal services, insurance, and other business services

What union has organized family child care providers in Washington State?

• SEIU Local 925 (Service Employees International Union) represents licensed family child care providers and license exempt providers in the state of Washington.
• On March 15, 2006, Governor Gregoire signed into law the Access to Quality Family Child Care Act, providing collective bargaining rights to these providers. 
• SEIU won a new process called Negotiated Rule Making to address WAC changes for all licensed family child care providers.
• SEIU negotiated a contract with the state government on behalf of subsidized licensed family child care providers and license exempt providers.
• For information on the current licensed family child care providers and license exempt provider’s union contract, visit SEIU’s website at www.seiu925.org.

How do providers join the Union?

• Providers who sign the union’s membership card become full voting members in the union.
• Child care providers who accept subsidy payments from DSHS will automatically be covered by the union’s contract but are not automatically members of the union.
• Providers who do not serve children on subsidy can also become members of the union.  

How much are union dues and how do providers pay them?

• Child care providers who accept subsidy will have their dues or agency fees automatically deducted from their state subsidy reimbursements at a rate of 2%.
• Providers who pay more than $50 a month will receive a refund from the union.

• Providers can pay $35 monthly union dues to become active members of the union.
• All membership dues paid to a union are tax deductible. 

Are child care centers part of a Union?

Currently, child care centers are not unionized.  However, efforts are underway by SEIU 925 and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to organize child care centers to negotiate a contract with the state similar to the Family Child Care provider’s contract.  For more information on the American Federation of Teacher’s union visit their website at www.aft.org.

Who do providers contact for questions or more information?

In addition to the union websites, SEIU has established a Member Support Department.  Licensed and licensed exempt providers can call the Member Support Department toll free at 1-877-734-8673.  This number will be effective on July 1, 2007 and will be open during the hours of 1 pm – 4pm daily.