Maine Background

On May 14, 2008 Governor Baldacci signed a bill that would allow for unionization of independent child care providers. LD 2095, which was described as "An Act To Ensure the Freedom of Family Child Care Providers To Jointly Negotiate with the State."http://unionmaine771news.blogspot.com/2008/05/governor-baldacci-signs-bill-allowing.html

A vote quickly followed and the union, which was a collaborative effort between SEIU and the MSEA, won with over 80% of the ballots returned voting in their favor. 

http://www.seiu.org/2007/10/Child-care-providers-across-Maine-vote-to-form-a-union.php

As in most states, it became evident quickly that unionization was not all it was cracked up to be. In the first contract, the union was not able to negotiate health insurance or even a raise in the child care assistance reimbursement rates.

http://www.mseaseiu.org/contracts/kidsfirst2011.pdf

With little to no benefits of joining the union, membership was low with only about 200 of the 2,200 eligible providers choosing to join. The Maine legislature voted to overturn the union and the repeal was signed into law by Governor LePage on April 17th, 2012

http://www.pressherald.com/news/house-backs-end-to-care-providers-union-rights_2012-04-10.html

Basic Facts

Dues: Unknown
Fair Share Fees: Yes
Health Insurance: NO
Contract: Yes, Expired - Union no longer recognized
http://www.mseaseiu.org/contracts/kidsfirst2011.pdf