Walsh calls Chafee meeting good step

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A top union leader calls recent talks with Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee a promising start to negotiating an end to a high-stakes lawsuit challenging sweeping changes to the state pension system.

Bob Walsh, executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island, and AFL-CIO President George Nee met with Chafee for an hour Tuesday. Walsh said specifics weren't discussed but Chafee expressed interest in striking a compromise to end the unions' legal challenge.

Last year Chafee signed legislation that raised retirement ages, suspended pension increases and changed benefit plans for thousands of active and retired teachers and government workers. The law was designed to save billions in future years. Unions called it unfair.

A hearing on the state's motion to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled for Friday.