Indiana union members rally, oppose GOP plans

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana union workers were set to rally at the Statehouse ahead of a 2012 session set to be dominated by "right-to-work" legislation.

The Indiana AFL-CIO organized Tuesday's rally ahead of the General Assembly's pro forma "Organization Day." Lawmakers kick off the 2012 session shortly after the New Year.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma and Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long said Monday that passing "right-to-work" legislation will be their top priority next year. The measure would ban unions and businesses from adopting contracts which mandate workers pay fees to the unions for representation.

Indiana labor leaders say they expect to be a force at the Statehouse through the 2012 session much as they were earlier this year when House Democrats walked out to block a "right to work" measure.