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Ind. House Dems End 3rd Right-to-Work Boycott

 

Indiana House Democrats have ended their third boycott of divisive right-to-work legislation but are making no promises they won't stall again.

The Democrats' return on Monday gave House Republicans the number of lawmakers needed to take another vote on the proposal to ban unions from collecting mandatory representation fees from workers.

Republicans want Indiana to become the first state in more than a decade to approve right-to-work legislation. Supporters say the measure would bring more jobs, but opponents say it is aimed at breaking unions and would depress wages for all workers.

Democrats blocked the measure with a five-week walkout last year. They want a statewide voter referendum in November to decide the bill's fate.

Republican leaders say such a referendum isn't allowed under the state constitution.