Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President of the American Federation of Teachers
on Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ Decision to Rescind Collective Bargaining Rights for 23,000 Indiana State Employees

Washington, D.C. — On his second day in office, Indiana’s new governor erased the rights of 23,000 Hoosiers employed by state government.  This is a dark day for the people of Indiana. 

AFT’s 14,000 members in Indiana employed in state government work for Gov. Daniels. While it’s within his power to take away their right to bargain fair contracts, he had to cancel an executive order that has existed for 15 years.  This executive order provided front-line state employees the opportunity to improve public services while securing fair treatment on the job.  Eliminating this executive order is not good government.

Collective bargaining is a process that benefits taxpayers as much as it does state employees.  It brings with it higher quality services, more efficient government and improved quality of life for all of Indiana’s citizens.  Gov. Daniels' move is a leap in the wrong direction.

This union is not going away because the state’s need for quality services is not going away.  The AFT is committed to supporting state employees in Indiana, giving them a voice on the job and in the state Legislature.  Our union will continue to represent our members through all means available.  Indiana’s state employees need representation now more than ever.

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