Ohio governor, GOP leaders hold union law meeting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Union leaders have passed on meeting with Ohio Gov. John Kasich to discuss a possible compromise aimed at removing a question from the November ballot asking voters to repeal the state’s new law to limit collective bargaining.

Kasich and fellow Republican legislative leaders gathered today alongside an empty table bearing placards for the major unions. The Republican governor called for the meeting earlier this week, saying he wanted to avoid a costly and potentially damaging ballot fight.

We Are Ohio, the pro-union coalition mounting the repeal effort, says Kasich never directly approached them about talks.

Spokeswoman Melissa Fazekas said the coalition will not negotiate until the collective bargaining overhaul is repealed. State lawmakers are on summer recess and any such vote is unlikely.