Taylor on union-busting workshop sponsored by Indiana Chamber: “Why should anyone be surprised?”

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Joe Taylor III (D-South Bend), ranking Democrat on the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and president of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 5, today issued the following statement in response to news that the Indiana Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a workshop in October designed to give employers tips on ways to stop unions:

“I’m not sure why anyone should be surprised at this. The Indiana Chamber is a lobbying group designed to protect business and corporate interests. They show no concern for working men and women in Indiana. With the proper guidance from Washington, D.C., we are starting to see less concern that these union-busting efforts remain quiet.

“I notice that the event is closed to the public and press. What a shock. This is far too typical as well. You cannot put a happy face on efforts that often rely upon threats to keep workers in their place.

“I would be willing to bet that not a single moment in this workshop will be spent on ways to treat your workers with respect, starting by paying them a decent living wage to care for themselves and their families.

“But why should that be any concern to a group that worries only about increasing profit margins? It’s far better to show their members how to successfully intimidate workers.

“Of course they should be ashamed for doing this, but I doubt that the Chamber is ashamed of any of it. I’m betting there are few mirrors in their headquarters.”