Thousands of child-care workers in Illinois will now have union representation by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This follows a bitter fight for organizing rights between the SEIU and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME ). The SEIU is very focused on progressive public policy and has made a point to improve working conditions and lift wages for the lowest-paid workers.
See "Union for child-care workers", Barbara Rose, Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2005