There is disputed legislation making its way through the Indiana house popularly known as the “right to work” proposal. This legislation would make it illegal in Indiana for workers to be required to pay union representation dues. Though such a proposal will probably not be passed until well into next year, whatever is passed will affect the wages and benefits of workers throughout the state.
Whether one supports or opposes such measures, it’s not difficult to see that the wage and benefit arguments taking place at the legislature are complex in nature and will involve a great deal of litigation. Supporters of the bill allege that such a measure would boost employment during the times of this recession. Opponents of the proposal state that such measures when implemented elsewhere in the United States resulted in reduced wages and benefits for the workers. Approximately 200 union workers were present at the state senate chambers to voice their opposition to this bill.
Whatever legislation actually does come out of the state house, it will require someone adept in dealing with such matters to fully understand the proposals. Such legislation will deeply affect the rights of workers, and such workers will require competent representation in matters of employment if a particular law is litigated in a court of law.
Unfortunately, workers often want nothing else than to have a good job with high enough wages to support their families. Often legislators are concerned with passing legislation that will affect everyone without being aware that such legislation could detrimentally affect small groups of displaced workers.
Source: Indianapolis Business Journal, “Union members fight Indiana right-to-work proposal,” Oct. 6, 2011
