According to the Indianapolis Star, state House Democrats have left to prevent a vote on anti-union legislation introduced by their Republican colleagues. Because everyone apparently goes to Illinois (the state has a Democratic governor so they won't be taken into custody) the lawmakers are traveling there, joining their Wisconsin compatriots. In true Scott Walker style, the legislation they're avoiding really tries to bring unions in the state to their knees:
Today's fight was triggered by Republicans pushing a bill that would bar unions and companies from negotiating a contract that requires non-union members to kick-in fees for representation. It's become the latest in what is becoming a national fight over Republican attempts to eliminate or limit collective bargaining.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says he supports the legislation but there are other priorities. Whether the legislation will spur similar protests in Indiana remains to be seen, but some protesters have gathered in Ohio today to protest legislation, similar to that in Wisconsin, that would limit the ability of public-employee unions to bargain.
Considering all of this, it's especially annoying when conservatives, as they do, see public sector-unions as a special animal. Attacks on public-sector unions affect all unions and are driven by the same ideology. If Walker is successful in Wisconsin, we'll see more bills like this one in Indiana.
