UFCW Fights 'Right-to-Work' in Indiana

SN STAFF

INDIANAPOLIS — United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700 here said it has begun mounting opposition to the possible introduction of a so-called "right to work" law in Indiana.

Right-to-work laws reduce the collective bargaining rights of public-sector employees and allow private-sector workers to opt out of joining unions or paying union dues.

This week the UFCW local said food workers met with senior staff of the office of Gov. Mitch Daniels to advocate for preservation of the current system. A right-to-work law would reduce wages and result in fewer jobs and fewer public services, according to the union.

"[Right-to-work] is a job killer," said Joe Chorpenning, president, UFCW Local 700, in a prepared statement. "Lower wages means less money in the economy and that means fewer jobs. That's why [right-to-work] states lead the nation in poverty."

Voters earlier this month opposed similar legislation in neighboring Ohio. The issue was reported to be under consideration by Indiana Republicans for the 2012 state legislative session.