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Back to To the Point

To the Point

'Right to Work' Laws in an Election Year

Under federal law, employees don't have to join unions, but labor contracts require that they pay for the representation that unions provide. "Right to work" laws say they don't have to pay any more. Democrats argue that weakens the power of unions. Republicans think corporations are better off.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Under federal law, employees don't have to join unions, but labor contracts require that they pay for the representation that unions provide. "Right to work" laws say they don't have to pay any more. Democrats argue that weakens the power of unions. Republicans think corporations are better off. This week Indiana became the twenty-third state where Republicans have prevailed. Why did Republican Governor Mitch Daniels change his mind? Will new companies locate in Indiana, a manufacturing hub surrounded by states that don't have "right to work" laws? Will wages and benefits be reduced? Will there be union protests in Indianapolis during Super Bowl weekend?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

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    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Mary Beth Schneider

    Indianapolis Star

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    Ed Roberts

    Indiana Manufacturers Association

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    Kenneth Dau-Schmidt

    Indiana University

    NewsNationalPolitics
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