Gov. Linda Lingle followed through with her promise yesterday and vetoed a bill that would authorize the Hawai'i Labor Relations Board to recognize union representation when a majority of workers sign union cards — an alternative to union elections by secret ballot.

In her veto message, Lingle argued that the practice would be a "poor substitute for the secret ballot and is ripe for abuse."

The bill is similar to the Employee Free Choice Act now before Congress.

The state bill would not apply to workers covered by National Labor Relations Board rules, so it would be limited mostly to workers at small businesses and agricultural operations.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i and other business interests have opposed the bill, while the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and other labor interests back the proposal.

The bill passed both the House and Senate with more than the two-thirds' majorities needed to override a veto. House and Senate leaders will decide soon whether to try to override the veto.