Unions brace for collective bargaining fight in Legislature

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LAS VEGAS — Union leaders say they’re ready for the fight over collective bargaining that’s shaping up in the now Republican-controlled Nevada Legislature.

The Nevada State AFL-CIO held a press conference Tuesday in Las Vegas, saying they’ll have an unprecedented lobbying force in Carson City. Union officials also said they may go door-to-door and talk directly to constituents in districts represented by lawmakers who want to weaken collective bargaining.

Republican Assembly Speaker-designate John Hambrick sent a letter to local government officials last week saying that a more flexible collective bargaining law is a top Republican priority.

Local governments have sought to break free of union-negotiated contract provisions during financial crises. Cash-strapped North Las Vegas lost a court bid last year to withhold $25 million in pay raises to public safety employees.