Hearing Focuses on Challenge To Indiana's Anti-Union Law

Steelworkers say new rules violate state constitution

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW), plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state over Indiana's anti-union law passed in February, will take part in hearing on the defendants' motion to dismiss the case at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Lake County Circuit Court at the Courthouse in Crown Point, Ind.

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The USW's suit argues that the state's "right to work" legislation, which requires unions to represent workers who are receiving the benefits of union membership without contributing to the costs, is a violation of Article 1, Section 21, of the state constitution. That clause states: "No person's particular services shall be demanded, without just compensation."

"Indiana's Right-to-Work legislation encourages the tendency of a few people to freeload off of their fellow workers by taking advantage of the benefits of collective bargaining while not contributing their fair share of the costs," said Jim Robinson , USW District 7 Director and a plaintiff in the suit. "This unfortunate and undemocratic law violates both our state constitution and our values. We look forward to it being struck down by the courts."

• What: Hearing on Indiana "right to work" law
• When: 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9
• Where: Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, Ind.

The USW represents about 850,000 workers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean in a wide variety of industries, ranging from glassmaking to mining, paper, steel, tire and rubber to the public sector, service and health care industries.

CONTACT:  Jim Robinson ,
(219) 886-2596, jrobinson@usw.org  

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

RELATED LINKS
http://www.usw.org