INDIANAPOLIS | The CEO of ArcelorMittal USA believes right-to-work legislation is "a distraction" and has urged the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to stop pushing for the labor policy.
In a letter to the state business association, Mike Rippey said unions aren't to blame for Indiana's 9 percent unemployment rate.
Rather, it's falling demand for goods and services, over-regulation, a lack of skills, unfair trade practices and lack of confidence in the economy that have caused high unemployment, he said.
"We urge the Chamber to instead focus on those issues," Rippey said.
The chamber is among the strongest backers of a right-to-work law, which would prohibit a company and union from agreeing to charge fees to nonunion employees for union services they receive.
Rippey said the chamber's push for right-to-work is certain to get the Indiana General Assembly "sidetracked on a divisive matter which will not lead to greater prosperity for our fellow citizens."
Indeed, House Democrats boycotted the first three days of the legislative session to stop right-to-work legislation from being introduced. That boycott also has blocked some 250 other House bills from being considered.
Kevin Brinegar, Indiana chamber president, said he had not read Rippey's letter and would have no comment until he receives it.
ArcelorMittal spokeswoman Mary Beth Holdford confirmed Rippey's letter was sent to Brinegar, but said it represents Rippey's personal opinion. As a company, ArcelorMittal is neutral on right-to-work, Holdford said.
Times staff writer Bowdeya Tweh contributed to this report.