Gov. Bill Ritter (D-Co.) releases files on union talks (Statehouse Republicans pounced on the docume

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6802631

Ritter releases files on union talks
Republicans see the documents as a move toward unionizing state government, a claim the governor's office denies.
By Mark P. Couch Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 09/05/2007 12:39:54 AM MDT

Gov. Bill Ritter released more than 1,200 pages of documents Tuesday related to his handling of union issues since he took office.

The documents show ongoing conversations between union leaders and administration officials regarding the creation of "state employee partnerships."

Statehouse Republicans pounced on the documents, saying they show Ritter is working toward a more union-friendly workplace for state employees.

"If this is their plan to unionize the state government, they should let us all in on it and not conduct secret meetings to plot against the taxpayers of Colorado," said House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker.

Evan Dreyer, spokesman for Ritter, rejected the GOP claims.

"They're just plain wrong," Dreyer said. "There is nothing secretive or sinister about the governor's very open and very public pronouncements to strengthen partnerships with snowplow drivers, prison guards and the other men and women who make up the state workforce."

FULL story at link.