WILL IT BE A SUPER BOWL OR A SUPER BUST?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS - With Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner Local Labor Unions are gearing up for a different kind of battle, one that may be fought on the same field.

Indiana law makers are within striking distance of passing a bill that would make union contracts that required employees to join the union or pay a “fair share” illegal.  This would allow employees to “ride for free” while the unions would still be required by law to represent them regardless of the expense to the union.  This would have the same effect as making payment for services voluntary. 

It was in 1947 that the Taft-Hartley Act was enacted severely restricting the rights unions had enjoyed under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 also known as the Wagner Act.  Under Taft-Hartley states could enact legislation that could restrict or outlaw the union’s right to require either membership or dues payment.  Since 1947, 22 states have enacted “right-to-work” laws or as union’s call them “right to work for less”. 

What makes the fight in Indiana different is the fact that Republican Representatives are attempted to force a coup by attempting to pass the bill through the House of Representatives rather than put it to the Indiana voters.  Republicans hold a 60-40 majority in the Indiana House of Representatives, which also needs a quorum of two thirds before a vote can take place.  Democrats have stalled this tactic by refusing to come to work preventing the quorum.  Unfortunately the Republicans are closing in fast on the wayward politicos.

Labor leaders and members from AFL-CIO, Teamsters and IBEW are meeting to finalize the plans in an eleventh hour effort to paralyze the city and put pressure on the state to back off.  Union members from over 50 organizations are prepared to bring the issue home to Indiana and their legislators.  Even the NFL Player’s Union has thrown its support into the movement.

Prof. Marvin Wolfson of Notre Dame puts the issue best:

     

The idea that the residents of Indiana would be better off if workers in Indiana received lower wages is seemingly so contradictory that it is surprising that it is even taken seriously.  Are not workers residents of Indiana?  How are they better off if receiving lower wages and benefits?