The Indiana State AFL-CIO fought for and won dramatic improvements in the workers' compensation system this year. Over the next three years, several major increases in benefits and new workers' rights will be phased in. This will mitigate the effect of workplace injuries on those hurt on the job and their families in the Hoosier State, the Indiana State AFL-CIO reports.

When Indiana working families were rallying at the statehouse against the state legislatures’ drive to ram through "right to work" legislation, Laborers (LIUNA) member Turner Corn was there with his guitar to boost the crowd's spirit. He’s since written this new song, “Remember November,” which reflects the frustrations working Americans feel towards elected officials who attack their fundamental rights and values.

The Indiana State AFL-CIO and United Way have established a disaster relief fund to aid the victims of the deadly tornadoes that ravaged southern Indiana. You can click here to donate online via credit card or send a check to: Indiana Union/UW Disaster Response; Indiana Association of United Ways; 3901 N. Meridian #306; Indianapolis, IN 46208-4026.

In southern Indiana and other areas where a series of powerful and deadly tornadoes stuck late last week, union members are mobilizing to bring help to union families and others.

The Indiana State AFL-CIO sends us this report on the working people’s response to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ (R) State of the State address. Daniels and Republican lawmakers are ramming a right to work for less bill through the legislature. After yesterday’s state House committee vote passing RTW, Democratic lawmakers began another filibuster by leaving the state. 

On Day 24 of rallies and marches at the Indiana Statehouse yesterday, many of the protesters were dressed in camouflage to symbolize that they were under siege.

Indiana House Democrats tonight told Hoosier voters they are going to stand firm and fight to save the state’s  middle class. During a telephone town hall meeting, the representatives said Gov. Mitch Daniels’ radical anti-worker agenda would destroy the state’s schools and local economies.

As 15,500 people rallied in 30 cities across Florida yesterday to protest Gov. Rick Scott’s budget, author Stephen King made a surprise appearance at the rally in Sarasota. A resident of Sarasota, King said maybe he should write his next horror novel about Rick Scott. He told the crowd the rich ought to pay more taxes (see video).

Indiana AFL-CIO field communications coordinator Mike Uehlein sends this report.

For the 11th straight day, working families will converge at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis to protest the General Assembly’s anti-worker agenda.