Perdue tells NC agencies to meet employees’ reps

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s governor has recognized the largest state employee association to represent workers in discussions over workplace conditions.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday that the move has drawn protests from business and conservative groups that oppose what they see as a step toward unions for public employees. North Carolina bans all collective bargaining by public employees.

Gov. Beverly Perdue’s order means she and some agency heads will meet with representatives of the 55,000-member State Employees Association of North Carolina.

The lobbying group for state workers is an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, the nation’s largest public employee union.

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