DNC planners hopeful about union deal

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Friday, January 5, 2007

A decision on where to hold the 2008 Democratic National Convention is not expected for at least another week, but local organizers are more optimistic that an agreement can be reached on labor issues that have held up Denver's bid.

Debbie Willhite, director of the Denver 2008 Host Committee, said Thursday "significant progress" has been made in reaching an agreement with national labor leaders.

But Willhite said the swearing in of several new Democratic governors next week - including Colorado Gov.-elect Bill Ritter - will probably delay a decision for at least a week.

"It's difficult to focus on the Democratic convention now," Willhite said.

She said Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, who will choose between Denver and New York City, likely will be traveling to several of the inaugurations of new governors and won't want to steal the spotlight from them by choosing a host city next week.

Denver's bid has been delayed by the local stagehands union's refusal to sign a pledge not to strike or picket during the convention.

Members of the union would handle all setup during the event but objects to working in the nonunion Pepsi Center, where it likely would be held.

National union leaders, including AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, are now involved.

"I think that the national union leadership wants to be cooperative and helpful," Willhite said. "I don't think they want the decision to be made based on the unions not being cooperative.

"I think we'll get this worked out."

steerss@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2282