Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Pugmire
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Dayton chides "extremists" in daycare union suit

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton is blaming "right-wing extremists" for the lawsuits being heard in federal court Thursday aimed at stopping the unionization of state-subsidized child care providers.

The lawsuits, filed by several child care providers, claim the unionization measure Dayton signed into law in May is unconstitutional and violates federal labor law.

Dayton disagrees. He told reporters that national right-wing groups opposed to all unions are funding the court challenge to make a political statement. He also said they don't want to allow providers to decide for themselves whether to join a union.

"These people and others want to dictate to them, 'No, you don't even have a choice. You can't join a union because we say so, and we've got the money to back it up,'" Dayton said. "I think that's a travesty."

Lawyers for the plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent what they describe as "further irreparable harm."

Thursday's hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.