HB 1043 Summary

• Creates a new "Right to Work" chapter in Indiana Code making it a Class A misdemeanor for employers to require employees to join labor organizations or pay dues, fees, or equivalent amounts to labor organizations or third parties as a condition of employment.

• Voids any written or oral contracts between labor organizations and employers that violate these requirements.

• Establishes private right of action allowing employees to file civil complaints with the attorney general or prosecuting attorney, and permits individuals to bring civil lawsuits for actual damages, civil penalties up to $1,000, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief.

• Applies to contracts entered into, modified, renewed, or extended after June 30, 2011, but does not affect contracts already in effect on that date.

• Excludes federal employees, employees subject to the Railway Labor Act, and does not apply where federal law conflicts with these requirements; effective July 1, 2011.