Protesters on hand for Indiana right-to-work hearing

INDIANAPOLIS — A few hundred union protesters are on hand for a public hearing before Indiana legislators on a divisive labor bill that’s prompted a two-day standstill in the Indiana House.

The Senate and House labor committees are holding a joint hearing Friday on the proposal to prohibit contracts between companies and labor unions that require workers to pay mandatory representation fees.

Republicans have set aside four hours for the hearing, after which the Senate committee is expected to vote.

Supporters of the bill say it would make the state more attractive to employers, while opponents maintain it is an attack on unions and would drive down wages.

The protesters have been quiet during the hearing, but some are holding signs with sayings such as “Stop the war on workers.”