NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee State Employees Association said Tuesday it has ended discussions with Gov. Bill Haslam's administration about legislation that would eliminate most civil service protections for state workers.

Robert O'Connell, the group's executive director, said in statements that several weeks of discussions have ended because the "governor's people were unwilling to remove or compromise on the provisions most harmful to state employees."

Haslam's proposal would eliminate rules that allow bumping and retreating, which association officials say removes seniority as a prime protection for state employees when layoffs are deemed necessary.

The proposal would also strip the right of a person who is laid off to be called back to work if the economy improves.

Haslam spokesman David Smith said he felt the discussions were productive and that the group made some reasonable suggestions, "many of which have been incorpor ated into our legislation."

However, he acknowledged the administration has some philosophical disagreements with the association.

"It is our responsibility to deliver the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers, and our hope is that the discussion will be thoughtful and accurate," Smith said in a statement.

The legislation is scheduled to be heard this week in the House State and Local Government General Subcommittee.