Senate works overnight on day care unionization

Published 10:03 am Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Senate stayed up all night debating a bill that allows personal care attendants and home day care providers to unionize.

The debate began Tuesday afternoon and continued this morning as senators offered a series of amendments.

The bill is a priority of two unions — the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. They argue unionization would give workers a louder voice to press for standards, training and higher state reimbursement rates. Opponents, including some providers, see it as a grab for union dues that’s being forced on them.

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