June 27 marks one year since bargaining began and DHS’s “last, best, final offer” falls far short of what providers and families need
Providence: June 27, 2026 marks one year since family childcare (FCC) providers who are members of SEIU 1199NE first began bargaining with the Department of Human Services and one year later, providers are still without a contract agreement. That’s why, this Saturday, 6/27 FCC providers will picket outside of Governor Dan McKee’s campaign office to demand a fair contract that supports their critical work. They will attempt to deliver an oversigned letter signed by caregivers urging DHS to finish the job.
On March 2, 2026, DHS offered their “last, best and final” offer that failed to provide an adequate increase in reimbursement rates over three years; a rejection of a healthcare stipend, and refusal to fund providers’ ability to take paid time off. Then in April, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the State Labor Board, alleging that DHS has made and attempted to make unilateral changes to the family childcare program without good faith bargaining or prior notice.
On March 2, 2026, DHS offered their “last, best and final” offer that failed to provide an adequate increase in reimbursement rates over three years; a rejection of a healthcare stipend, and refusal to fund providers’ ability to take paid time off. Then in April, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the State Labor Board, alleging that DHS has made and attempted to make unilateral changes to the family childcare program without good faith bargaining or prior notice.
Family childcare providers are paid through the Childcare Assistance Program or CCAP, the pool of money available to families earning up to 285% of the federal poverty level. Currently, CCAP pays the majority of our members around $200 per child per week which must cover their wages in addition to an array of expenses including health insurance, business expenses and facilities upkeep. For many caregivers, out-of-pocket costs make it increasingly difficult each year to stay afloat. The number of SEIU family childcare providers represented by SEIU 1199NE have decreased by 23% in the last four years, adding to a 68% decrease in licensed child care slots from 2004 (8,448) to 2023 (2,722).
- WHAT: Family Childcare Info Picket at Gov. McKee’s Campaign Office
- WHEN: Saturday, June 27: Media availability from 10:00-10:30 AM | Speaking program: 10:30 AM | Letter delivery: 10:45AM
- WHERE: Gov. McKee’s Gubernatorial Campaign Headquarters: 284 W. Exchange Street | Providence, RI 02903
- WHO: Family Childcare Providers who are members of SEIU 1199NE
- VISUAL ELEMENT: Workers will attempt to deliver an oversized letter signed by childcare providers and will carry colorful posters made by the children they care for.
Contact: Communications Office of SEIU 1199NE at 860-280-6443 or comms@seiu1199ne.org to speak to a childcare provider outside of event media availability.
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District 1199 SEIU New England represents 29,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, 1199 SEIU NE represents 7,500 members.1199 SEIU NE is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a union of over 2 million members across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
District 1199 SEIU New England represents 29,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, 1199 SEIU NE represents 7,500 members.1199 SEIU NE is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a union of over 2 million members across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.