DENVER -- Gov. Bill Ritter vetoed a measure Friday that would have made it easier to set up all-union workplaces.

Ritter, a Democrat, said he was satisfied with the bill but not with the process that led to its passage. He said the debate should have been broader.

Some business groups had complained they were not included in the discussions.

"The message is this. We're going to do things differently," Ritter said.

The bill would have eliminated one of two worker elections required to form an all-union workplace.

In an all-union shop, all employees are required to pay fees to the union whether or not they join. The fees are intended to cover the union's cost to represent the nonmembers.

The current system calls for two votes, one to form a union and a second to form an all-union shop. The second ballot requires a 75 percent majority to pass. Colorado is the only state that requires a second election on the issue.

The measure presented an early test for Ritter, who took office a month ago after campaigning on a platform he described as business-friendly.

“This legislation is the first essential step toward accomplishing one of my primary goals,” Ritter said, “And that’s strengthening and streamlining the various federal, state and local accountability systems now in place in Colorado.”

The bill angered business groups, who said it would discourage new employers from coming to Colorado. Supporters said the measure wasn't a big change, pointing out that 27 other states operate without a second election.

Steve Adams of the Colorado AFL-CIO said Ritter broke a campaign promise "under pressure from big business."

"We hope this is not a harbinger for what lies in store for the working men and women in this state," he said.

"We're going to do business differently. We are going to do all we can to search for the common good and to do it on behalf of the people of this state," Ritter said.

The Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry called the action "courageous."

“CACI deeply appreciates the governor’s political courage in vetoing this bill, which would have hurt Colorado’s economy,” said CACI President Chuck Berry. "Gov. Ritter's veto will restore much of the optimism and confidence that business leaders have about Colorado's economic future. They've been very discouraged in recent weeks as this bill made its way through the Legislature."

“I am pleased to see our new governor stand up to special interests by vetoing this pro-union bill," said House Republican Leader Mike May. "This victory belongs to all Coloradans and particularly to members of our business community."

To read the full text of Ritter's veto message on Bill 1072, click here.