Child Care Workers Settle Contract

Pact Allows Low-Income Parents to Continue Working

After eight months of bargaining that began amid threats of devastating cuts, family child care providers represented by SEIU Local 503 have reached tentative agreement with the State on a new two-year contract that will allow thousands of low-income parents to remain on the job knowing their young children will receive proper day care.

The contract not only preserves Oregon's pioneering program in employment-related day care, but for the first time, care providers will have access to affordable health coverage.

"Settling a contract was only part of the battle," said Portia Moye, a Portland-based child care provider who chaired the bargaining team. "Our work help protect services for more than 3,500 low-income working families and saved an estimated 1,800 provider jobs." The team unanimously recommended approval to union members, who will vote on ratification in the coming weeks.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Thanks to our legislative efforts, we were successful in securing money for the FHIAP program which will allow us to create a health care plan for providers in 2010.
• Maintaining rates at current levels, which was considered crucial to retaining dependable providers who care for low-income children in safe reliable homes and is a real victory in these economic times.
• Continued funding for training.
• Mandatory paid orientations for new child care providers that include a union presentation.
• A grievance procedure with steps and timelines for resolving disputes.

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