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Kansas panel considers limits on public workers’ bargaining

By Associated Press - | Mar 18, 2015

? A legislative committee in Kansas is considering a proposal to restrict collective bargaining between public employees and state and local government agencies.

Chairwoman Julia Lynn said the Senate Commerce Committee will debate the measure during its meeting Wednesday. Lynn is an Olathe Republican and has said she believes the GOP-dominated panel supports the bill.

The measure would limit contract talks between government agencies and unions to minimum pay for workers. Employers could determine other issues themselves, including how workers are evaluated.

The bill also would allow agencies to impose terms if there is an impasse.

Republican Sen. Jeff Melcher of Leawood is pushing the measure and has argued that negotiations involving individual employees produce better results.

Critics say the bill is an attempt to destroy public employee unions.