The Maryland agreement gives the union control over negotiating pay, time off and the training of child-care providers. It puts union representatives on all committees choosing training vendors; puts the union in charge of overseeing how early childhood dollars should be spent if a comprehensive early childhood education law like the one noted in Quebec passes here; and requires the state to deduct union dues from payments to providers that the union says are members. This means one-person providers could be subject to rules about how to take care of their own children.
Loyola University Maryland economist Stephen Walters says there is another negative aspect of collective bargaining. "Through bloc-voting and generous campaign contributions, the unions are succeeding in 'hiring' the people they'll face across the negotiating table." In other words, state taxpayers will help to fund a group that will cement union-friendly politicians in office in a never-ending cycle.
Because Virginia does not allow collective bargaining for state employees or contractors, Mr. Walters said it is just one more reason, in addition to lower taxes, to choose that state over Maryland.
