Md., Va. governors discuss collective bargaining

[steve2470]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-22/md-va-governors-discuss-collective-bargaining.html

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley staked out different positions Tuesday regarding the battle over collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin government employees.

Appearing on WTOP Radio, McDonnell expressed support for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's push to end most bargaining rights for nearly all public employees while O'Malley strongly criticized the idea.

McDonnell, a Republican, and O'Malley, a Democrat, talked about Wisconsin's stalemate over union rights along with D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, who supports collective bargaining.

McDonnell noted that budget problems facing states have largely been caused by failing to make tough spending decisions, but he also said he believes collective bargaining for state employees can exacerbate such problems.

[greyl]

1. It's already illegal in VA, so McDonnell's attitude isn't surprising. nt

[JaneQPublic]

2. Thumbs up for Gov. O'Malley (nt)