Calif. governor won't target collective bargaining

[Joanne98]

Source: AP

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Gov. Jerry Brown, who approved collective bargaining for California government workers during his first gubernatorial term in 1976, said Friday that he will not challenge employees' bargaining rights as the Republican governor in Wisconsin is doing.

Brown said he will not follow the lead of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who wants to strip most non-safety public employees of most collective bargaining rights. Walker says his proposal, which prompted massive protests and a walkout by Democratic lawmakers, is intended to reduce state spending.

Brown, a Democrat, said California's $26.6 billion deficit will give unions a chance to show they can help the state make tough choices.

"I hope in California we can demonstrate that both management and representatives of the working people in the public sector can rise to the occasion and do what's in the public interest," Brown said during a Capitol news conference on the budget.



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