The state Senate is taking on a bill on Wednesday that would all private home daycare providers and health care workers to unionize and supporters and critics plan to speak at the Legislative Office Building.
The state House of Representatives approved the bill to grant collective bargaining rights to home and child care workers last week. Now it moves on to the Senate.
The Permanent Commission of the State of Women and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman held a news conference about legislation they said will protect workers.
"They can be working for some agency that will be charging $35 an hour and the person doing the work can get only $10 an hour," Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman, D, Connecticut, said.
"Without collective bargaining, their voices will not be heard. We must give them the opportunity to be heard," Senator Edith Prague said.
Some state officials have said personal care services is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in Connecticut but pays the second-lowest wage.
“In many cases, personal care attendants are underpaid and work limited hours and have no access to health benefits. Giving them a chance to collectively bargain allows peace of mind to the consumer and their families," State Rep. Zeke Zalaski, of Southington, said.
But opponents argue that unionizing will cost them more money and possibly drive them out of business.
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"It's pretty clear to me that the union targeted this group because it was easier to go after a group of disorganized people," Pat Tyler said. "If it's such a great piece of legislation, why did they not go after the daycare centers? Why did they not go after the agencies?"
