Early Childhood Workers Seek Unionization

Two major Massachusetts teachers unions are attempting to enroll more than 10,000 early childhood education workers in the private and nonprofit sectors in an effort to boost their pay, but some fear it could also drive up tuition rates.

A centerpiece of the effort by the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts is legislation that would authorize the creation of a statewide union specifically for early childhood educators.

Employees at more than 1,000 childhood centers that have state-funded contracts or receive state subsidies would be eligible to join the union. The new union would also represent custodians, van drivers and program directors.

But opponents tell The Boston Globe a union would drive up tuition and compromise quality.