U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
ACF
Administration for Children and Families
Information Memorandum
To: Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies, Early Head Start Grantees
Subject: Head Start and Labor Unions
In recent years, several national labor unions have increased their efforts to organize the workforce in local Head Start and child care programs. In November 1997, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued an Information Memorandum (ACYF-IM-HS-97-14) about union organizing in Head Start programs and use of Head Start funds. The relevant portion of the Act, Section 644(e), states that "Funds appropriated to carry out this subchapter shall not be used to assist, promote or deter union organizing." This Information Memorandum reiterates the earlier issuance and provides updated information based on experience and questions that have arisen in the past several years.