Labor defeats anti-union initiative Prop. 32 in California


The defeat of Proposition 32 became clear early Wednesday.

Business and labor groups contributed more than $120 million on an initiative that reflected the national debate over labor clout.

Proposition 32 would have prohibited corporations and unions from collecting money for state political activities through paycheck deductions. It would have hit unions hardest because corporations do not typically deduct money from employee pay for political activities.

While labor led the No on Prop. 32 fight, businesses and wealthy Republicans funded the opposing campaign. Proposition 32 backers also received an $11 million contribution from an Arizona nonprofit.