Indiana

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Erin Reece
ereece@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2011) – Senate lawmakers voted in favor of a resolution crafted by State Sen. Jim Banks (R-Columbia City) seeking an amendment to Indiana’s Constitution protecting secret ballot rights of workers in unionization votes.

Senate Joint Resolution 10 passed the Senate 32-16 and now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
“This resolution is a proposal to amend Indiana’s Constitution to help guarantee the right to use secret ballots on all unionization votes,” Banks said. “I am grateful for the bipartisan support this resolution has received and I look forward to working with members of the House of Representatives.”

Currently, workers have a chance to vote for or against unionization in a supervised secret-ballot election – a voting method in which an individual’s choice is confidential.
Banks said under a proposed federal law, known as the Employee Free Choice Act or card check, if more than 50 percent of workers at a facility sign a card, the government would certify the union and the need for a private ballot election would be eliminated – even if workers request one.

“If card check passes, union organizers could ask for an employee’s signature in favor of unionization at any time – including lunch breaks in front of other employees or even at home,” Banks said. “Many believe organizers would use this system to intimidate workers into supporting unions they might otherwise vote against in a secret ballot election.”

Banks said the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Manufacturers Association and Indiana Policy Review are in support of the resolution.

If SJR 10 passes, the measure would need to be approved by a second consecutive, separately elected legislature to be placed on the ballot for Hoosier voters to decide.

Banks said Arizona, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah have passed similar constitutional amendments.