A judge has rejected Indiana's bid to throw out a union challenge to the state's right-to-work law.

The Times of Munster reported Thursday that Lake Circuit Judge George Paras ruled the suit brought by the United Steelworkers can proceed.

At a hearing in Crown Point this month, Deputy Attorney General Kenneth Joel argued the right-to-work law doesn't require the union to do anything and that federal law places the burden on unions to fairly represent all members of a bargaining unit.

The union argues the law signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels in February violates a clause in the Indiana constitution barring demands for services from someone "without just compensation." The law makes it illegal for unions to require dues or other fees as a condition of employment.