Indiana could become the first state to pass right-to-work legislation in more than 10 years, and Ball State professors say, while controversial, the bill should have little effect on students.
That's because unions are more common for labor workers, not people entering professional careers, said associate professor of economics Michael Hicks.
"Unionized jobs are shrinking at an enormous pace," he said. "So I would think you'll see almost no effect."
Other economists have said that right-to-work laws can lead to job growth, but Hicks said his research does not support that.
The next steps for the bill are a vote in the Indiana Senate and then a signature by Gov. Mitch Daniels. It could go into effect as early as Thursday.
Hicks mentioned two types of unions: trade and labor unions. Trade unions help set standards and control licensing; the American Bar Association is one example. He said these types of unions will continue to be effective. But labor unions, who lobby for different working conditions and higher pay, have probably passed their peak of influence, he said.
"They've had almost no positive effects on job growth or labor conditions in 75 years," he said. "That's a long time to be looking back to your most important success."
Political science professor Ray Scheele said he agrees that students won't notice the change in labor laws, but he has a different outlook on the future of unions around the country.
"I don't think that it's the nail in the coffin," he said. "They're not going to disappear overnight because of this law."
Some of the strongest unions are for teachers, he said.
"The recent laws in the state of Indiana that were passed last year have basically taken away much of the collective bargaining," he said. "The only thing they can collectively bargain now is wages."
Students and staff at Ball State won't notice a change if the bill is passed. There is no union for professors at Ball State. The custodial staff can join a union, but they don't have the right to strike, Scheele said.
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