Bill Cohen (Ohio Public Radio)

Voters in Ohio have defeated a new law that limits the collective bargaining rights of unionized public workers. Since the law hadn't taken effect yet, current union rules will remain in place. Ohio voters hope their outcome will send a message to other states considering similar laws.

On Nov. 8, they'll go to the ballot box to vote on whether to block a law slashing the power of public employee unions. The law's backers argue it will help cities and schools hold down labor costs and lift the state's economy. But union workers say they've already done enough, citing a billion dollars in pay freezes and concessions.