wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & SportsIndiana's Right to Work law sparks concerns among local unions

Indiana's Right to Work law sparks concerns among local unions

NEW ALBANY, IN (WAVE) - Hoosiers now have the "Right to Work" after a bill by the same name was recently signed into law by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. Supporters hailed the bill saying it creates a pro-business climate. Opponents, many of them union members, are staunchly against it.

In the eyes of Joe Nalley unions are important for workers like himself. About 175 of his fellow union members work primarily at TMSi logistics in Jeffersonville.

"Make sure they're safe. Make sure they get good benefits," said Nalley, president of local 84807 of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers - Communications Workers of America. "Make sure that everything stays on the level where a person can have a decent wage."

Nalley said many members of his union and many other union members across the state were fighting since last year for those ideals. Thousands protested at the state house in Indianapolis as state legislators considered the state's right to work bill.

"Basically, what it is, is it's a right to work for less money, less benefits," said Nalley. "Less safety issues."

The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels on February 1. The law prohibits labor contracts that require workers to pay union representation fees.

"I understand why people got upset," Governor Daniels told WAVE 3 when he visited Jeffersonville, Indiana for a book signing earlier last week. "Someone told them that wages would go down, benefits would go down, but none of that will happen."

"I support people that don't want to pay union dues to a point," Nalley said. "But they all need jobs. But to create a job by doing away with unions is not the right way to do it."

After a heartfelt fight, Nalley admitted, "We've lost the battle, but the war isn't over. Eventually, I think it will get turned over. Hopefully, for the betterment of the state and for the people of Indiana."

According to Nalley, 99% of the union workers he has spoken to are against the law and are willing to continue paying union dues.

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