Denver making progress with union

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Denver is making progress in resolving the labor issues that are hampering its bid to host the 2008 Democratic Convention, although the weather is delaying things:

The blizzard that struck Denver Thursday may delay negotiations that are crucial to Denver's hopes of winning the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Denver's bid has been held up by the refusal of the local stagehands union to pledge not to strike or picket during the convention. The union, Local No. 7 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, has objected to working in the nonunion Pepsi Center. DNC rules require unions to sign off before Denver can win the convention.

Debbie Willhite, executive director of the Denver 2008 Host Committee, said progress had been made in reaching a deal with the union, but said the blizzard might prevent an agreement this week.

If a deal is reached, that could cinch the convention for Denver.