Kicking off the largest union election in Vermont state history
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 9, 2013
CONTACT: Karen Conner, AFSCME Vermont Homecare United, 802-857-5985, kconner@afscme.org
Today, the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) will mail about 7,500 ballots to Vermont’s independent homecare providers kicking-off the largest union election in Vermont’s history and giving these providers the chance to vote for union representation. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) began organizing homecare providers over two years ago with enthusiastic support from providers whose hours and pay rates are set by the state but who lacked a voice in the workplace like other public employees.
Earlier this year, homecare providers working with AFSCME and a broad coalition, helped pass a law allowing them to organize with a union and negotiate a contract with the state. This union vote is the next step for homecare providers seeking a seat at the negotiating table with the state. The deadline for ballots to be returned is September 27 and votes will be counted by the VLRB on October 2 and 3.
“We provide a vital service to people in our community,” said homecare worker Janelle Blake of Essex Junction. “But we need a living wage and some benefits, like sick leave, and a voice to advocate for the programs those we care for depend on.”
FACTS about homecare in Vermont
- About one in every 100 Vermonters is an independent homecare provider.
- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Vermont Homecare United has been organizing in Vermont since January 2012 and has built solid relationships with political action groups, advocacy groups, and state and local political leaders.
- For the past two years, AFSCME Vermont Homecare United supporters have been speaking up across the state and in the Capitol building in support of fair funding for homecare programs.
- Homecare providers supporting AFSCME led the successful fight for Vermont state legislation allowing homecare providers to organize. AFSCME supporters turned out to committee hearings, legislative debates and advocacy events with disability groups to get the bill across the finish line. Act 48 relating to independent direct support providers was signed into law May 24, 2013.
- AFSCME represents 125,000 independent homecare providers in three other states (CA, MD and IA).
- AFSCME’s second highest ranking officer in the national union, Secretary-Treasurer Laura Reyes, is a former homecare provider rose up the ranks.
- According to Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs, AFSCME is more successful than any other union in the nation when it comes to securing better pay and benefits for workers in the health care sector.