Indiana union workers rally at Statehouse to protest bills

[deminks]

Source: Indianapolis Star

By the time legislators began discussion of a move to limit union contracts Monday morning, 3,500 workers had already packed the Statehouse and its grounds and more were arriving.

Bill and Kathie Criss of Indianapolis held hands as they walked down a first-floor hallway lined with workers holding signs.

"They're attacking the people who have built this city," Bill Criss said. "To cripple the unions is not the answer."

(snip)

The legislation, dubbed a "right to work law" by proponents and a "union-busting" measure by unions, prohibits unions from entering into contracts that say everyone hired must be a union member. The sponsor is Rep. Gerald Torr, R-Carmel.

Democratic house members on the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee attempted to table the legislation at the meeting's start calling it an "attempt to initiate class warfare" and pointing out that not all who wanted to watch the meeting would fit in the small first floor committee room where it was held.


Read more: http://www.indystar.com/article/20110221/NEWS05/110221002/3-500-union-supporters-rally-Statehouse-protest-bills?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CIndyStar.com

[JitterbugPerfume]

1. I wish I could be there,

My heart will always be with the UNION

[Myrina]

2. Sigh. 70k in WI, less than 4k in Indiana ...

... what does that tell you about the political-awareness of the populace here? :(
Faux rules. Unfortunately.

[snappyturtle]

4. I wouldn't blame the people. This state has a huge union base...or it used to.

I've just moved back after 40 years away. I had no idea this bill existed. Maybe people around Indy do because of local news. Here in NW IN our 'news' is Chicago based. I'll take a peek at the NW TImes online and see if they mention it. I would like to think the unions would have a call chain to get the message out.

[blackspade]

5. give it time.

This discontent is only going to grow, especially if things go well in WI.
Here's to hoping!

[Kingofalldems]

3. K and R all Pro Union/Democratic Party threads

[snappyturtle]

6. Here's another article in this morning NW Times online:

www.nwitimes.com It's on the front page.

Sounds like the rally starts in earnest at 3:00 PM.


edit: Synopsis of the bill from the State of Indiana's legislative website:

"Synopsis: Right to work. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for an employer to require an individual to: (1) become or remain a member of a labor organization; (2) pay dues, fees, or other charges to a labor organization; or (3) pay to a charity or another third party an amount that represents dues, fees, or other charges required of members of a labor organization; as a condition of employment or continuation of employment. Establishes a separate private right of action for violations or threatened violations. Exempts individuals employed in the construction industry, employed by the United States, or subject to the federal Railway Labor Act."

[Indianademocrat91]

7. I hope this goes through the weekend

so I can drive down after class on Friday. I would love to go down to the Statehouse and protest the idiotic republicants decisions...