Two in a Row?

Illinois Gov. Quinn’s and the SEIU’s embarrassing defeat in their effort to unionize home health care workers has emboldened Maryland health care workers who face the same fate, thanks to Gov. Martin O’Malley.

A government bargaining order O’Malley signed with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 last week gives union officials broad access to the names, addresses – and ultimately the checkbooks of family child care providers who participate in the state’s child care subsidy program.

Marta Mossburg of the Washington Examiner takes note: “it will likely force those not affiliated with the Local 500 to join the union, pay dues – and cost Maryland taxpayers millions at a time when they are least able to afford more subsidies and when private sector employers are cutting wages and benefits.”

If health care workers beat the power play, it may force the SEIU and their political cronies to think twice before going down this road again. In the meantime, workers in Maryland are holding their breath waiting for the outcome.