Indiana Poised to Become 23rd Right to Work State
Despite shouts and protests, the Indiana House of Representatives voted Wednesday, 54-44, to make Indiana the 23rd right to work state in the nation.
Under RTW, an employee cannot be compelled to pay union dues as a condition of employment. The arguments on the floor were reflective of the debate that had taken place for the past few weeks in the Statehouse. Republicans said RTW was about creating jobs and worker freedom. Democrats said RTW was union busting and was about lowering worker wages.
The debate was contentious at times, at the beginning of the debate House Democrats opened the chamber doors so protesters shouts could be heard in the room. The Speaker allowed them to stay open.
While there was never any question that Republicans had the votes, there was some question as to how big the margin would be. It was anticipated that there were 53-55 votes in favor, but most eyes were on State Representatives Wendy McNamara of Evansville and Mike Karickhoff of Kokomo who had been in the undecided column.
McNamara went to the floor and said she was voting “yes” because she wanted workers to have the freedom to choose whether to be part of a union and that RTW was about job creation. She said if she thought RTW would bring one job to her area, it was worth it.
Karickhoff voted no.
State Representative Mark Messmer was excused from voting because he owns a construction company and has a conflict of interest.
The measure had already passed the Senate on Friday 28-22. And Governor Mitch Daniels has made it clear he will sign the bill. Democrats, in both chambers, had tried to offer an amendment to the bill to have a referendum on the subject, but that measure was defeated.
RTW had also been the crux for numerous daily protests at the Statehouse and the House Democratic walkout which has resulted in $4,000 fines for denying a quorum. A judge has placed a temporary restraining order on collection of those fines via wage garnishment.
