NFL players oppose Indiana right-to-work bill
WASHINGTON -- The union representing NFL players spoke out Friday against a controversial right-to-work bill on the table in Indiana, arguing that the legislation is merely a "political ploy" that would drive down workers' wages if it became law.
"NFL players know what it means to fight for workers' rights, better pensions and health and safety in the workplace," the National Football League Players Association said in a statement. The right-to-work bill, the statement went on, is "not about jobs or rights, and it's the wrong priority for Indiana."
The controversial bill in question would effectively turn Indiana into a "right-to-work" state, meaning workers there could not be required to pay unions dues at private companies as a condition of employment. Right-to-work laws are generally supported by business groups and opposed by labor unions, and there are now more than 20 right-to-work states in the U.S., mostly in the South and West.
The NFLPA cited a report by the liberal Economic Policy Institute that says the right-to-work bill would lower wages for both union and non-union workers in Indiana by about $1,500 annually. The bill would also make it more difficult for workers to secure health care and a pension, the report argued. (Labor groups often refer to right-to-work laws as "right to work for less."
Noting that the upcoming Super Bowl will be hosted by Indianapolis, the union called on Indiana lawmakers to oppose the bill. "This Super Bowl should be about celebrating the best of what Indianapolis has to offer, not about legislation that hurts the people of Indiana," the union said.
read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/indiana-right-to-work-nfl-players-union_n_1189577.html
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