Dear Neighbor,
Since my June 30 legislative email update regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Harris v. Quinn case, I have joined many in calling upon the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to cease their efforts to unionize childcare providers. However, they have ignored this call and recently made a statement announcing their decision to proceed with their unionization attempt.
I have also been closely watching the developments of the unionization of personal care assistants (PCAs), because what happens with their situation will likely impact the unionization of childcare providers. On July 7, the union targeting PCAs, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), announced they delivered signed cards to the Bureau of Mediation Services, triggering an election to unionize PCAs. The majority of PCAs are individuals taking care of a family member or close friend with a disability and are employed by that individual, not the State of Minnesota.
The PCA union election could take about six weeks and PCAs who receive reimbursement from the state will receive a ballot in the mail. If a majority of PCAs vote to form a union, the Bureau of Mediation Services will certify the SEIU as the exclusive representative of PCAs for purposes of collective bargaining. To be clear, unionization is not a guarantee of higher reimbursement, which would still need to be determined by the legislature. Only the requirement to pay member dues is guaranteed should a union be formed. While it is possible a lawsuit may be filed to challenge PCA unionization, one has yet to be. Based on the Harris v. Quinn case, a legal challenge to the law could put the law on hold while the legal issues are sorted out in court.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to send out any further updates to you, as Minnesota state law prohibits representatives from sending out legislative email updates or mass mailings after July 15 through November 4. However, I can still respond to individual constituent emails and letters until my term ends in early January of 2015.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 651-296-4212, Rep.Pam.Myhra@house.mn or 217 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely yours,
Pam Myhra
Representative Pam Myhra
House District 56A