Our view: Anti-union ‘right-to-work’ bill should be shelved

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Updated: November 29, 2011 8:14AM

It appears the table is being set for another contentious session of the Indiana General Assembly. It doesn’t have to be that way.

An interim study committee this week essentially said that it will revive “right-to-work” legislation.

The legislation would ban unions from requiring workers to join their ranks or pay dues.

Republicans said this week that a report compiled by the Legislature’s Interim Study Committee on Employment indicates that some businesses refuse to locate in Indiana because it is not a right-to-work state.

Right-to-work was one of the anti-labor issues that led some House Democrats to leave the state for five weeks earlier this year.

Democrats were noncommittal as to whether they would stage another walkout.

The easiest way to ensure that all legislators stay in Indianapolis is not to introduce the legislation.

Gov. Mitch Daniels earlier this year said Indiana could prosper without right-to-work. Daniels often boasts that Indiana is an attractive state for new business because of its favorable tax climate.

Unions look on right-to-work as a way to break up their organizations. They argue that workers can enjoy the benefits of union representation without paying any dues.

Studies indicate that wages, benefits and working conditions in right-to-work states are lower.

Unions rightfully see right-to-work as another assault on the working man. They are right and there’s no need for it.