Massachusetts
Kids First
Special Update - Contract Settlement!
y We’ve Reached a Tentative Contract Agreement with DEEC!
After more than ten months of contact negotiations, our union representatives have reached a
tentative agreement with the Department of Early Education & Care (EEC). This marks the first
union contract for Family Child Care Providers in Massachusetts history!
It’s not everything we wanted, but it is a good first step -- and it gives us something to build on.
The Contract does not go into effect until it is ratified (meaning a ‘yes’ vote by a majority of providers
voting). It also must be funded by the State legislature. Since the State agreed to the contract, we
expect the funding to be approved. All Providers eligible to be in the union will have the opportunity
to vote. Stay on the lookout for more detailed information on the contract settlement, including
notices on upcoming meetings and voting instructions.
y Contract Settlement Highlights
The tentative agreement covers a three-year contract, expiring June 30, 2016. Highlights from the
settlement are included below.
Rate Increases:
The agreement provides a 10% rate increase over the next three years -- including a 4% increase for
2013 (retroactive from July 1, 2013); a 3% increase on July 1, 2014; and a 3% increase on July 1, 2015.
The union also has the option of reopening negotiations to move some of the 2015 increase into rate
restructuring. This would increase rates for infants, for example, but decrease the across-the-board
rate increase. Providers will make that decision together when the time comes.
Part-time Rates:
Rates for part-time care will increase from 50% of full-time rates to 60%, effective July 1, 2014.
Working Before 7am or After 5pm:
The Union will join with EEC in a study of the need for child care during “non-standard hours” (before
7am and after 5pm). If the study finds there is a significant need, then the contract will be reopened
to negotiate compensation for these non-standard hours.
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NTED IN-HOUSE
PRI
-SEIU
LOCAL 509B
Y U NION L A B O R
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Family Child Care Contract Settlement!
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Serving Children with Special Needs:
The Union will partner with EEC on an additional study of the need for child care for children with
special needs. If the study finds there is a significant need, then the contract will be reopened to
negotiate compensation for care provided for these families.
Enforcing our Rights:
We can enforce the contract through grievance procedure with binding arbitration as a final step.
Payment or Policy Errors:
If providers aren’t paid properly or timely -- or if providers are harmed because Systems or CCRRS
violate EEC policies -- we can use the grievance procedure to address it.
Access to Children:
Our contract makes it clear that parents have the right to choose which provider to use. This shall not
be limited by the provider’s QRIS level or by favoritism from a Child Care System.
Transportation Subsidies:
Independent Providers can get Transportation subsidies if their transportation arrangement follows
the appropriate laws and regulations -- and their families are eligible.
Union Security:
Under the law, everyone eligible to be in the union will be covered by the contract. To keep the union
strong, we negotiated that everyone eligible to be in the union must either join the union and pay
dues or pay a similar agency service fee.
Translation Needs:
More translation of subsidy documents for parents and providers, and more efforts to hold trainings
in different languages.
A Voice for Providers:
Our contract gives us the right to regular meetings with EEC to discuss Provider issues and Provider
Representation in various forums. Under the law we have the right to negotiate in many cases over
EEC policy changes.
Additional Items of Note:
The tentative agreement also improves providers’ access to grant opportunities, QRIS information
and computer training.
y Questions? Want to Learn More?
Come join us! The more organized we are the stronger we will be. For more information or
to get involved, contact Isabel Gonzalez-Webster at [email protected] or via phone at
617-924-8509 x583. We want to hear from you!
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