Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Federal judge rules child care union drive can go on

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A judge has dismissed two federal lawsuits aimed at stopping the unionization of state-subsidized child care providers.

One of the lawsuits filed against the state claimed the recently passed unionization measure violates federal labor law, while the other claimed it infringes on first amendment rights of free association. But in two rulings Sunday night, U.S. District Judge Michael Davis said the plaintiffs claims are not ripe. He noted that no union election or collective bargaining have yet occurred, and no injury is impending.

"At this time, the state statute does not require Plaintiffs to associate with a union, be represented by a union, engage in collective bargaining, or pay money to any union. Plaintiffs may never be required to do any of these things," Davis wrote."

"Plaintiffs request that the Court peer into a crystal ball, predict the future, and then opine on the constitutionality of a speculative scenario," he added.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton, who signed the measure into law and was listed as a defendent in both cases, said he was pleased with the rulings.

"I believe that working men and women should have the right to vote on forming a union, and that the Court's decisions will permit such an election to be held," Dayton said in a news release.

The rulings clear the way for the union AFSME Council 5 to move ahead with its efforts to organize more than 12,700 in home providers.

But union spokeswoman Jennifer Munt said earlier this month that the election won't happen any time soon.