Ohio union supporters are anxiously watching the developments in Indiana on the heels of the state’s controversial Right to Work law being ruled unconstitutional by a Lake County judge last week.
In the wake of the ruling, Dale Pierson of Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has taken up the fight and attempted to appeal the law.
According to Cincinnati’s WXIX Fox 19, Pierson welcomes the opportunity to argue the case before the Indiana Supreme Court on the basis that the law deprives unions of fair compensation for services they provide to members of their bargaining units.
“We’re fully behind Local 150’s decision to continue this fight,” said Pat Sink, IUOE Local 18’s business manager. “I’m sure I speak on behalf of every Right to Work opponent when I wish them the best of luck.”
Last week Lake County Superior Court Judge John Sedia ruled Indiana’s Right to Work law unconstitutional, stating that the law violates a provision in the state constitution barring the delivery of services “without just compensation,” and forces unions to unjustly represent workers who do not pay dues.
While the Indiana ruling offers Right to Work opponents a glimmer of hope, many labor supporters remain focused on the hazards of letting the fight play out through the judicial system.
In July, the Michigan Supreme Court refused to intervene on the controversial Right to Work law passed in 2012, eliminating the most effective means of challenging the divisive Republican legislation.
The “Washington Examiner” also reported that an Orange County, Calif. math teacher is suing to fight the required payment of union dues in a case that could very well make California a Right to Work state.
Although Right to Work efforts in Ohio have continued to fail, Ohio unions have remained vigilant in an effort to ensure the movement doesn’t gain more momentum.
The IUOE Local 18 union-backed advocacy group Keep Ohio’s Heritage has been running ads on cable and network television designed to educate voters on the issue.
Opponents of recent Right to Work bills, also known as “Workplace Freedom,” contend that the initiative’s true purpose is to kill unions and worker protections, ultimately leading to a weaker middle class.
By stripping workers of their rights and freedoms, business owners would be free to lower worker pay, reduce worker benefits and ignore worker rights.
Direct link: https://prnewschannel.com/2013/09/19/ohio-unions-keep-watchful-eye-on-right-to-work-legal-challenge-in-indiana/SOURCE: Keep Ohio's Heritage
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