Under current law, Indiana employees can be required to pay a fee to a labor union as a condition of employment, whether or not they choose to join the union. Right to Work legislation would provide freedom for Hoosier workers to choose to be a member or represented by a labor union. “I have previously been a supporter of Right to Work, and I will once again support this legislation in the upcoming legislative session,” said Rep. Tim Neese. “Right to Work is not about union busting, it is about getting Hoosiers back to work. It is about giving people the freedom to decide where their hard earned money will be going.” A study by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce cited if Indiana had adopted Right to Work laws in 1977, per capita income would have been $2,925 higher or $11,700 higher for a family of four, by 2008. “Given Elkhart County's high unemployment rate, we should be using every possible option available to increase employment,” said Rep. Neese. “Compared nationally, Indiana is doing pretty well in keeping a low unemployment percentage, however, this doesn't impress the Hoosiers searching for employment opportunities. The bottom line is getting people on the job and creating employment opportunities so they can provide for their families.” -30- |
