Thousands Turn Out for ‘We Are Indiana’ Rally Supporting Unions

March 11, 2011

Workers from across the state held a massive "We Are Indiana" labor rally at the State Capitol in Indianapolis.

Legislation that could roll back private-sector union rights in Indiana and limit collective bargaining rights for teachers sparked a massive rally on March 10 at the state Capitol in Indianapolis. On the same day that Wisconsin lawmakers revoked collective bargaining rights for thousands of public service workers and teachers, an estimated 20,000 Indiana union members and supporters poured into the streets to protest measures that would curtail collective bargaining rights in the private sector, repeal the prevailing wage law and virtually strip teachers of nearly all their bargaining rights. David Warrick, executive director of AFSCME Council 62, and an AFSCME International vice president, declared the union’s solidarity with the teachers and private sector workers who are standing up for their union rights.

“Six years ago, when Gov. Mitch Daniels took office, he unilaterally revoked the collective bargaining rights of 25,000 Indiana state workers, including 9,000 represented by our council. So we know the importance of this battle first-hand. AFSCME stands committed to fight alongside our sisters and brothers in their battle against those who want to destroy unions and weaken the middle class to benefit their rich political backers.”

In addition to the private sector legislation, Indiana Republicans are also trying to pass a bill that would prohibit any future governor from issuing an executive order permitting collective bargaining. Also, they want to make it illegal for any governor or local government entity to collect union dues through payroll deduction, whether voluntary or not.  “If this bill is passed, it would kill us,” says Warrick, whose union represents many different locals throughout the state. “It would wreck our ability to adequately fight for worker rights.” “The working men and women of Indiana have come back to take back the people’s house for the people of Indiana,” said Indiana AFL-CIO Pres. Nancy Guyott. The state’s Republican lawmakers want to pass a private-sector “right-to-work” bill for the private sector union workers. It would prevent companies and unions from negotiating contracts that make sure workers who refuse to join a union would not be free riders. It’s a strategy anti-worker organizations use to undermine the right of employees to act collectively in their own self interest. State Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R) told the Indianapolis Star that the proposal is off the table this year pending a study by a legislative committee later this year. But Republican House and Senate majorities – and a Republican governor – all back the anti-worker bill, so Long’s commitment could be reneged upon once the Democrats return to the Legislature. As in Wisconsin, where 14 state senators who support collective bargaining left the state in a futile attempt to forestall a vote, Indiana Democratic lawmakers also fled to Illinois to protest the anti-worker legislation, forcing the House into a three-week deadlock. Indiana House rules require a full quorum of 67 legislators to pass bills, while Wisconsin’s law requires a quorum only to pass fiscal measures. Read more here.