State of Iowa ends wage concession talks with one union

Aides to Gov. Chet Culver say the state is no longer negotiating with one state employee union about concessions aimed at avoiding layoffs.

Culver spokeswoman Erin Seidler acknowledged Monday that talks have been halted with Iowa United Professionals, a union representing about 2,700 workers. The biggest share are social workers in the Department of Human Services.

Seidler says negotiations are still being held with the State Police Officers Council, which represents about 600 troopers and other state officers.

The moves came as members of Council 61 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees begin voting this week on concessions agreed to by union leaders. That deal includes five unpaid furlough days for union workers.

-- Associated Press