A vote to unionize caregivers for the developmentally disabled failed by an overwhelming margin this week in Illinois.

Of the more than 3,000 workers in the state’s home-based support services program who cast a mail-in ballot, 1,018 opposed union representation, 293 supported joining the Service Employees International Union and 220 voted for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Gov. Patrick Quinn signed an executive order this summer, clearing the way for the workers to unionize. Most of the workers care for the disabled in the patients’ homes and receive limited state funding.

Let us know of other efforts to organize home care workers around the country.