This is in keeping with our belief that it is important to extend rights to individuals—to extend the opportunity to negotiate, the opportunity to be heard and the opportunity to complain.

The executive order designates the state’s Office of Children and Family Services to negotiate a contract with whatever representative the workers choose. The order also allows the workers to join a union by majority sign-up, meaning if a majority of eligible workers signs union authorization cards, the state will recognize the union. Spitzer also proclaimed May as Labor History Month.

The home-based child care providers are reimbursed by the state for taking care of children from low-income families. In New York City, they earn $19,000 a year on average and have few or no benefits.

CSEA President Danny Donohue said the executive order

is a landmark victory for independent child care providers across the state. We applaud the governor for recognizing the critical role they play in keeping New York’s families working and our economy moving.

UFT President Randi Weingarten said Spitzer’s action

is just the beginning of the providers’ quest to get the respect, recognition and fair wages they deserve for the important work they do.

On the UFT website, several workers said they were happy to finally be able to join a union.

“We made history here,” said Brooklyn provider Tammie Miller. “This is the best thing that could ever happen in New York City.”

And Bronx provider Melvina Vandross said:

It’s like 100 birthday parties all at the same time.