Decatur County Franklin County Ripley County Rush County Right-to-work, back to work
Hoosiers, in District 67 and across the state, overwhelmingly voiced their support for right-to-work as a job creation measure to attract more employers to our state. Additionally, economic experts in Indiana touted right-to-work legislation as a critical step to attract job opportunities as we compete in the global dynamics of the 21st century. Right-to-work is about more than unions; it’s about worker freedoms and economic prosperity. Democracy and our country’s birth stemmed from infringements of our “unalienable rights” as decreed by our founding fathers. These governing virtues have made the United States the greatest country in the world and should apply to all. No one should be forced to join or financially support a union as a condition of their employment. In America, we are all about the freedom to choose. To be forced to join a union as a condition of employment is simply un-American. I chose to join a union because I believed in it and it did – and still does – a great job of representing its members. During my 26 year career as a professional fire fighter, I was always a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Even though I have retired, I am still member in good standing with local 416, IAFF, and I gladly pay my union dues. Local 416 represents my best interests and that of its members, so making the decision to financially support them is an easy one to make. However, it is important to distinguish that not everyone was afforded the same opportunity to choose what was in their best interests. Now they can. Right-to-work doesn't prevent a labor union from organizing. But, similar to any enterprise or organization, those labor unions who do not represent their members to the fullest extent as determined by its members will disband, while those who do will continue to be strong and thrive. To dispel the notion that being right-to-work will bust unions, many professions have been right-to-work for years and continue to operate efficiently and effectively, including: fire fighters, police officers and teachers. Many could argue these unions have strengthened since becoming right-to-work. With that, of the 1200 professional fire fighters in Indianapolis, less than 10 are non-union members. Of the 600 living retired fire fighters in Indianapolis, 420 are still members in good standing. Of the nearly 7000 professional firefighters in Indiana, less than 50 are non-union members. Providing further verification that the economic policies enacted, including right-to-work, are working to bring jobs to Indiana is evidenced by Busche Enterprise Division, Inc. This computer numerical control production machining firm announced last week its plans to expand its operations in Albion, Ind. and create up to 120 new jobs by 2015. More than 550 Hoosiers are employed at Busche. Nick A. Busche, Chief Executive Officer and President of Busche, was recently quoted saying: "The state of Indiana and the local economic development folks have shown a willingness to do what is necessary to attract businesses to our state. The recent passage of the right-to-work law was just another example of the strong commitment by this state to promote growth and job creation." Additionally, The Wall Street Journal reported that: "The results of Indiana's efforts to attract manufacturing jobs are encouraging so far. The number of (Hoosiers) employed in manufacturing at the end of 2011 was up 7.6 percent from two years before to 472,500, compared with a 3 percent rise nationally, after plunging during the recession." My top priority will always be job creation and protecting the rights of Hoosiers. Right-to-work is an important tool that will do just that. Too many Hoosiers are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. We must persevere through these tough economic times using every tool available to spur growth and prosperity for all. -30-
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