SIEU and the Home-Based Programs

December 19, 2008

Folks, I have been communicating with Tina (Trainer) Siedel from ACES$ in

Pennsylvania. They have had quite a bit of experience dealing with unions

trying to " unionize " direct support workers in programs similar to the

Home-Based Support Services Programs in a variety of states.

Here are a few dot points that she shared with me in a phone call day before

yesterday. I hope I am re-capping them accurately.

* In states where direct support workers were unionized the cost per

hour for workers went up $4 to $5 per hour. So you would have far fewer

hours available per month.

* Participants lost the ability to decide what they wanted to pay

workers because the union agreement now dictated that. So if you wanted to

pay less, you couldn't. If you felt it was appropriate to pay more you

couldn't.

* Workers had to go through mandatory trainings and drug testing. In

Virginia, there had been 250,000 direct support workers. Of those only

97,000 passed the testing creating a shortage of workers.

* If you want to fire your worker, it will be very difficult.

* ACES$ did a study in Pennsylvania where the unions are also active

and estimated that workers in Pennsylvania would pay $7.9 million in union

dues.

* In California, the unions promised a no strike clause. But then they

struck. Apparently new union officers don't have to honor commitments of old

union officers, so it is a common practice to make these commitments while

planning to simply change officers when they need to strike.

* Tina shared these websites with me for advocates to use for a

the ACES$ website home page has this announcement:

0Workers.pdf.

I will share more information as I receive it.

In the meantime I am copying Tina on this. Tina, I think it would be great

if you would join this group so you can share or answer questions as

you feel is appropriate.

Charlotte

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