Schellinger calls for restored bargaining

Jim Schellinger, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to unseat Gov. Mitch Daniels in his attempt at a second term, told a group of retired United Auto Workers members yesterday that in his first hour as governor he would reinstate the ability of unions to bargain collectively.

Speaking in Marion, Schellinger also said he would strive to change the law to make it harder for future governors to cancel unions’ powers, according to the Marion Chronicle-Tribune.

Daniels cancelled union contracts shortly after taking office in 2005.

While the UAW has endorsed Schellinger, several trade unions including carpenters and masons have endorsed Daniels due to the infrastructure projects that are expected to result from leasing the Indiana Toll Road.

Schellinger, president of CSO Architects in Indianapolis, faces former congresswoman Jill Long Thompson for the nomination.