AUGUSTA ( AP) — The Maine House has voted to support a bill that eliminates collective bargaining rights for private child-care providers who receive state subsidies.
The vote Monday was 76-66.
The Portland Press Herald reports that the bill passed in the Senate last week. After another round of voting, it will go to Gov. Paul LePage’s desk, who supports it.
The bill would repeal a law passed by the Democratic majority in the Legislature in 2008 to allow providers who are not state employees, but receive state subsidies, to unionize.
About 200 of the state’s 1,300 family child- care providers have joined the Maine State Employees Association for union representation.
Opponents say child care providers need a voice at the Statehouse to ensure they have a say in state regulations.
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