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Governor Brown Blocks Unionization Of Child Care Workers

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has dealt a blow to labor by blocking a bill that would have let California child care workers unionize.

The Democratic governor on Tuesday vetoed AB101 by Assembly Speaker John Perez. Brown wrote in his veto message that it's important to maintain quality child care and ensure that working conditions are "decent and fair for those who take care of our children."

But he said he was reluctant to take on a new program "of this magnitude and potential cost" because California continues to face huge budget challenges.

Supporters say the bill would have allowed workers at child care centers to join unions, but opponents say the bill would hurt the state's business climate.

Perez said he is disappointed by the governor's action.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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