INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization advocating for the future of Indiana and its families and workers, reaffirmed its unwavering support for organized labor and denounced efforts by the Republican supermajority to weaken the rights of Indiana workers. Since passing so-called “right to work” legislation in 2012, Indiana’s workforce has dropped to a “F” rating and many “good jobs” have left the state. Further, the Indiana GOP continues to target unions.
In fact, many economic experts confirmed Indiana is falling behind due to the Indiana Republicans’ culture wars on the economy and against organized labor.
HB 1024 which was passed out of the Indiana House by a 52-39 vote is just one example in a long line of attacks on union workers by the Indiana GOP, and Hoosier Democrats will not stand idly by as they try to undermine the rights of Hoosier workers. The bill aims to undermine the use of project labor agreements (PLA) for public works projects and limit bids to contractors with union workers. Such measures unfairly discriminate against unionized workers and could cause irreparable harm to the economy of the state.
“When union Hoosier workers do well, Indiana does well. Indiana Democrats are committed to standing up for the rights and interests of hardworking Hoosiers, including the right to form a union and collectively bargain. Democrats will always fight to protect these fundamental rights and oppose any attempts to undermine them,” said Mike Schmuhl, Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.
The Indiana GOP continues to target unions, with House Bill 1024 being the latest attempt to undermine workers’ rights. Democrats stand in opposition to this discriminatory bill and urge all members of the Indiana Legislature to do the same.
In contrast, the Democrats at the national level continue to prioritize the needs of working families and organized labor. Thanks to the Jobs Act and the Biden administration’s policies, Hoosier workers and organized labor have been made a priority, and Indiana’s steel industry has been revitalized. The American Rescue Plan and the Jobs Act are providing critical funding for infrastructure projects, including repairing roads and bridges, revitalizing sewer and water systems, and expanding broadband connectivity.
President Biden and national Democrats have taken significant steps to support labor unions and strengthen workers’ rights. The Biden administration has issued several executive orders to protect workers’ rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively. Additionally, the PRO Act, which was passed by House Democrats in 2021, is an important piece of legislation that would further protect the rights of workers and ensure that they are paid fairly for their labor.
Simply put: Indiana Democrats respect and value organized labor and the Hoosier worker while the Indiana GOP’s war on workers has diminished the state’s economic future.
NWI Times: Indiana House targets project labor agreements for local public works projects
Local governments across the Hoosier State no longer could obtain a labor peace guarantee on certain public works projects, under legislation recently approved by the Republican-controlled Indiana House.
WFYI: Bill aims to prohibit local governments from limiting project bids to contractors with union workers
“Speech after speech about local government and making sure that they have the tools that they need and staying out of their way,” said Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville). “What happened in the last decade or so that took us from a place where we had trust and belief in our local officials to a place where we seem to want to take away every tool that they’ve ever had.”
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