I want to share with you pictures and an update on the UFT’s campaign to unionize home child care providers so they have the dignity, justice and respect at work that Labor Day celebrates.
Five hundred home child care providers packed into Harlem’s Alhambra Ballroom last Tuesday for an energetic election kickoff rally. This election is the final step in their two-year march to join a union. Says Melvina Vandross from the Bronx:
It’s wonderful to be back in this room where it all began with standing room only and more outside in the cold and rain. We knew we needed a union because we needed power. I’m so glad to be on board. I’m no longer in isolation. These are my sisters in this room, mi familia. Let’s build on this foundation.
Two days from now, New York City’s 28,000 home child care providers will start voting on whether they join the UFT. If home child care providers vote to be represented by the UFT, they will sit down with the state of New York to negotiate their first contract to improve rates, benefits, training and working conditions. But first, providers need “Yes” votes in the union election starting September 5th.
The energy at the rally was so amazing, I hope the pictures do it justice. Here’s a slideshow with more pictures, and background on the rally.
You Can Help
Help home child care providers get out the vote by making phone calls to remind providers to send in their ballot and vote “Yes” in this crucial union election. Contact Francine Streich to volunteer. Phone banks are running in all UFT borough offices after school until 8 p.m. on Sept. 10 and 11, 17-20 and 24-27.
2 Comments:
1 Jackie Bennett
· Sep 3, 2007 at 9:34 pm
This is great. This is what it’s about.
2 Providers Are Voting | Edwize
· Sep 28, 2007 at 6:19 pm
[...] providers have voted in a union election to join the UFT. Following up on the excitement of the get-out-the-vote rally at the start of the month, phonebankers have been making calls reminding providers to vote before [...]
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