Judge halts union vote for child care providers

A Ramsey County judge has blocked a a unionization vote among state-subsidized child care workers that was scheduled to begin this week.

Judge Dale Lindman issued a temporary restraining order today after hearing about three hours testimony. Lindman at least partially agreed with the plaintiffs, who argued that Gov. Mark Dayton exceeded his executive branch authority when he ordered a unionization election. The judge said he too thinks the process should start with the Legislature. Tom Revnew, an attorney for the 11 plaintiffs, said he was pleased with the ruling.

"The vote will not take place, at least as of Dec. 7," Revnew said. "The court will be reevaluating the circustamnces come January, when we're back back at a hearing. But at least temporarily, there will not be a vote."

Another hearing was scheduled for Jan. 16.

Gov. Dayton released a statement saying he respects the court decision, and that he plans to meet with the attorney general to consider the next steps. Dayton stressed that he still believes that "people should have the right to elections to determine their own destinies."

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