Governor Mitch Daniels Abandons his Pledge to Workers

Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana has spent the better part of the last three weeks strongly advocating divisive Right-to-Work legislation in Indiana. Indiana Republican leaders declared it their top legislative priority and Governor Daniels has walked hand-in-hand with them, vigorously championing the measure.

Governor Daniels’ support of this legislation is particularly troubling because it’s something he claimed for years he would never pursue. In 2006, during a speech at the Teamsters 135 Union Stewards Dinner, Governor Daniels said, “I'm a supporter of the labor laws we have in the state of Indiana. I'm not interested in changing any of them. Not the prevailing wage law and certainly not a right to work law. We can succeed in Indiana with laws we have respecting the rights of labor and free and fair competition for everybody.” Why the change of heart, Governor? Watch the video.

Tens of Thousands of Workers - Including Hundreds of UFCW Members - Rally at Indiana Statehouse for Workers' Rights

Today tens of thousands and workers and labor supporters gathered outside the Indiana Statehouse to rally for workers' rights, and to protest against the anti-worker bills being introduced by Republicans in the state senate. Workers chanted, sang, danced, listened to speakers, and made one thing loud and clear: they're not going anywhere until Republicans back down from their anti-worker agenda. They also thanked the Illinois Democrats for staying out of the Statehouse and refusing to provide a quorum to vote on those anti-worker bills. The crowd at one point chanted "Thank you, Democrats," for a full minute and burst into wild applause and enthusiastic cheers.

Hundreds of UFCW members showed up in their UFCW gold to protest with their brothers and sisters, including members from Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, and of course from all over Indiana.

You can see pictures of the rally and UFCW members below and  here, and video here.