INDIANAPOLIS | Right-to-work is poised to become the dominant issue of the upcoming legislative session after a Republican-controlled study committee voted on party lines Wednesday to recommend the General Assembly consider adopting the labor policy.
The recommendation follows four day-long sessions of conflicting, sometimes confrontational, testimony from right-to-work supporters and opponents debating claims it will lead to new jobs and wage growth for Hoosiers.
If right-to-work is enacted, a non-union employee at an union workplace will not have to pay "fair share" fees for services the union is required by federal law to provide for all employees, such as collective bargaining.
State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, said there's no doubt what supporters of right-to-work, such as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, hope to do.
"It's a big stick to bust unions," Tallian said.
But state Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, said right-to-work will make unions more responsive to their members, because unions won't be guaranteed dues or fees as they are now.
He also said right-to-work will lure new companies to Indiana, reduce business expenses and not affect wages.
Tallian questioned how businesses could cut expenses and not wages as employee salaries are often a company's largest expense.
Torr admitted wages might be lower at new jobs coming to Indiana but said existing workers shouldn't be affected.
State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, pointed out Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels continually touts Indiana as already among the best states in which to do business -- without a right-to-work law.
"We have a good thing going, and I see no reason why we should change," Arnold said.
House Democrats left Indiana for five weeks during the 2011 session in part to stop Torr's right-to-work proposal.
In a statement, Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, did not rule out another walkout when the Legislature convenes in January.
"If they choose to continue these radical attacks on working Hoosier families, Indiana House Democrats will reserve the right to respond appropriately," Bauer said.