Will Democrats end protest of right-to-work bill Monday?

Indiana House Democratic Leader Patrick Bauer announced Friday that House Democrats would be willing to return to the Indiana Statehouse at “high noon” Monday.

The Democrats have boycotted House sessions in order to prevent action on the controversial right-to-work legislation.

“We hope that everybody understands the amendment we put forward is constitutional and it’s to allow those workers a voice,” said Bauer at Friday’s session.

Union members watched the proceedings from the balcony and erupted with applause after Bauer’s fiery words.

Only five Democrats were present Thursday as House Speaker Brian Bosma attempted to gavel the House into order twice.  Bosma announced shortly after the House did not have a quorum. 

Republicans voted Wednesday to begin fining Democrats $1,000 every day they were absent.  However, a Marion County judge issued an injunction Thursday, temporarily blocking the fines.

Republicans have proposed the right-to-work legislation, which would not require workers at union-represented workplaces to pay union dues.  Supporters of the bill said it would bring more jobs to Indiana.

Democrats said they will spend the weekend telling Hoosiers about their efforts for a statewide referendum on right-to-work.  They said they want residents to decide on the legislation since it was not brought up during the election season.

Bauer released the following statement Friday:

“Despite all efforts by the House Speaker and his majority, the people of Indiana are slowly regaining their rights to take part in the actions of state government.
           
“Indiana House Democrats continue to participate in committee meetings on bills before the House. We remain ready, willing and able to take part in floor action on those issues that we feel are important: job creation for Hoosiers, protecting families, and making our schools better.
           
“More than 20 bills lie dormant in the House, including a smoking ban for Indiana. They remain stuck because the Speaker chooses to hold them ransom so that the majority can advance its single-issue agenda: ‘right to work for less.’
           
“But there is hope on that front.
           
“House Democrats will be offering an amendment to ‘right to work for less’ legislation that will give the people of Indiana the right to decide whether they want this horrible policy to become law.