Ohio Gov. to Sign Bill Limiting Union Bargaining

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. John Kasich  plans to sign a bill to limit the collective bargaining rights of 350,000 public workers.

Kasich plans to sign it Thursday. The Republican announced his plan in an email to supporters. A spokesman confirmed the bill-signing.

The bill was approved Wednesday by the GOP-led state House and Senate.

The measure prompted weeks of pro-labor protests by thousands of people amid a national debate over union rights keyed by a similar bill passed in Wisconsin.

The Ohio bill applies to safety forces, teachers and many other government workers. It prevents unions from negotiating wages but not health care, sick time or pension benefits. It also eliminates automatic pay increases and bans strikes.

Opponents have vowed to push for a ballot repeal.