Dayton still considering union vote for child care workers

Gov. Dayton says he hasn't made a decision on whether he'll issue an executive order that would allow for in-home child care providers to vote on whether to join a union. Dayton says he hasn't been focused on the issue since he's been on his Trade Mission to Korea and attended the Democratic Governor's Association meetings in North Carolina. He said he'll talk with staff about the issue in the coming days.

"I'll be sitting down over the next couple of days to be brought up to speed on where things stand," Dayton told MPR News. "I wouldn't anticipate anything imminently. Probably next week or the week after. We'll have to see."

Dayton is considering issuing an executive order that would allow the 11,000 in-home child care workers to vote on whether to join a union. SEIU and AFSCME are encouraging Dayton to issue the executive order. Several Republican legislators and a few in-home child care owners have criticized the idea. One lawmaker said he would sue Dayton if he issued an executive order allowing for the vote.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.