America has always been the land of opportunity. When I was small, I remember thinking that when I grew up, I could get a job, but even better, I could own my own business. I could be my own boss. There is great pride in doing this. There is nothing like knowing you built something, and stand by it, to support yourself, and contribute to your community. For some of us, we would much rather answer to customers and the market than a Boss.

HF 950 provides for unionization of independent child care businesses—statewide. Child care providers in Minnesota will be considered a single bargaining unit —statewide. The state will conduct a unionization election. If the union wins, all child care providers in the state will become subject to the winning union, and be considered “employees of the state”.

For many of those child care providers, many of whom provide care out of their own homes, and take pride in their freedom and independence, this may come as a shock. How can an election be held that unionizes private, independent businesses?

Answer: However the law specifies, and the legislature makes the law.

My question is, what businesses are next?

The justification for this unionization is that the state pays some of the child care costs through subsidies.  Some think that makes child care providers state employees. AFSCME and SEIU want a shot at representing these “employees”.

Please tell me that the independent businesses have the right to “opt out”, of unionization that they don’t want. Please tell me that independent businesses won’t have to pay union dues, or follow union rules.

I would love to be wrong.

(More information: http://childcareunioninformation.weebly.com)

Correction: This blog post has been changed to correct an inaccuracy. District 52B Rep. Joe Atkins is not listed as a chief sponsor or co-sponsor of HF 950.