Seek Override of Veto: UFT, Allies Plead For Day-Care Bill

Seek Override of Veto
UFT, Allies Plead For Day-Care Bill

United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten gathered with allies in the State Legislature June 16 to urge an override of Governor Pataki's veto of legislation that would allow the UFT to represent the state's 60,000 home day-care providers.

The proposed endeavor, to be jointly run by the UFT and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, received legislative approval by votes of 61-0 in the Senate and 108-34 in the Assembly. That level of support would allow an override of the Governor's veto.

'Give Them a Voice'

"I no longer have a voice, but I will press on until day-care providers get a voice at the table," Ms. Weingarten, who had laryngitis, said hoarsely at a June 16 press conference held at UFT headquarters in Manhattan. "After they passed a law that simply allowed them to get to the bargaining table, this Governor denied 50,000 workers, some of the lowest-paid workers, the right to bargain."

Ms. Weingarten was joined by State Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat of Manhattan, a sponsor of the bill, along with other supporters from both legislative houses.

"The will is there to get things done for people all over the state," Mr. Espaillat said. "So I cannot conceive that we don't have the will to accomplish something so basic. I am committed to push for an override." The override process would need to begin with Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. A spokesman for the Senator said during a June 16 phone interview, "It is something we are taking a look at."

Pataki Pushing Back?

State Senator Carl Andrews of Brooklyn urged Mr. Bruno to act. "Senator Bruno, we need you to take one more step and bring this to an override," he said. "These workers need and deserve the right to organize."

Ms. Weingarten said the UFT had "a lot of discussions with Senator Bruno. He knows this is a very bipartisan issue. But I suspect the Governor is pressuring him not to override." She said her goal was to see the vote take place before the summer recess, which is scheduled to begin at the end of this week.

Governor Pataki's office did not return a call seeking comment on the possible override.

But Nila Edwards of Brooklyn, a day-care provider for eight children, had some words for the Governor.

"I thank the Assembly and I thank the Senate for passing this bill. I do not thank you, Governor Pataki for this veto. I now make $2.91 an hour. I have no benefits. I thank you in advance for this override."

A Tough Living

A recent ACORN study determined the average annual wage for license-exempt (one or two children), family (between three and six children) and group family (seven to 12 children) providers to be $19,933. While workers are paid for a 30-hour week, most providers work a 45-hour week, with many working up to 60 hours. Those workers make as little as $2 an hour, according to ACORN.

New York would become the fifth state in the country to allow home day care providers to unionize. Illinois became the first last year.