| Associated Press | Thursday, March 3, 2011 | from: Daily Newswire | Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said Wednesday he’ll bargain hard with unions representing state workers but has no plans to seek an end to their collective bargaining rights. Branstad told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he’ll push state worker unions to make big changes to a contract that was bargained with his predecessor, Democratic Gov. Chet Culver. Branstad wants reductions in pay and benefits. ….. Despite Branstad’s pledge to seek limited changes to collective bargaining rules, Danny Homan, who leads the largest state employee union, said the governor is seeking significant changes in the contract and bargaining rights. [Note: A quote from Gov Branstad suggests we now negotiate pensions. This is not true. By state law, public employees are prohibited from negotiating retirement or pension provisions.] |
In the News >