Wall Street Journal (01/06/12) Nicas, Jack

For the second consecutive year, Indiana House Democrats are boycotting their chamber to block a state right-to-work bill, which in Indiana would ban labor contracts that require all employees to pay union dues, weakening unions’ finances and clout in the workplace. Supporters of the bill, including Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma and Gov. Mitch Daniels, say it would make the state more attractive to employers, while opponents maintain it is an attack on unions and would drive down wages.

Bosma unsuccessfully tried to call for a quorum twice on Jan. 5. The state Constitution requires 67 of the 100 House members to answer the roll call to begin the session. Three of the 40 House Democrats joined Republicans in the chamber Thursday, leaving the House four members short. Bosma says he will invoke fines against Democrats for boycotting the chamber, “if necessary.”