NY public worker unions oppose reopening contracts

ALBANY -- Two of New York's most powerful public employee unions say they won't reopen contracts to any concessions despite the state's fiscal crisis, delivering an early blow to Gov. David Paterson's plans to fill a $2 billion deficit next week.

Richard Iannuzzi, president of New York State United Teachers, says local union leaders aren't going to revisit contracts if they're only giving things up, but might reconsider if incentives are thrown in to sweeten any deal.

Civil Service Employees Association President Danny Donohue says reopening contracts is unacceptable, counterproductive and disappointing.