Indiana becomes latest battleground against unions

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels A year after big clashes between Republican governors and public-sector unions in Ohio and Wisconsin, the battle has shifted to Indiana, where Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels is seeking to pass “right to work” legislation designed to undermine private-section unions and workers’ rights protected by collective bargaining.

State Democrats had refused to come to their chamber floor in early January in an effort to stymie the legislation, but Republicans have solid majorities in both the State House and Senate and it seems only a matter of time before it would be signed into law.

If the bill is approved, Indiana would become the first state in a decade to prohibit union contracts at private-sector businesses from requiring workers who choose not to be union members to pay dues or fees to the union. Twenty-two other states already have such laws, but Indiana would be the first in the Great Lakes manufacturing region.

Supporters claim the bill promotes economic growth and jobs by attracting out-of-state businesses. But a new Economic Policy Institute report finds the Indiana law would instead curb growth by reducing workers’ wages, benefits and spending capacity.

Economic Policy Institute report, Jan. 3
The New York Times, Jan. 6