Mayor vetoes measure to protect hotel workers - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Mayor Greg Ballard has vetoed a measure aimed at providing fair working conditions and pay for Indianapolis hotel workers.

Hundreds of union members and hotel workers packed a room Monday night as the City-County Council passed the "freedom to work" ordinance.

It would allow employees to work directly for hotels instead of contractors. Under the measure, a hotel's annual license could be revoked if they have an agreement with a contract cleaning service.

The mayor said state laws already protect the workers.

Ballard also said there was no compelling evidence presented that any hotel or cleaning service in the city had engaged in blacklisting, and he also called the proposal "overreaching and overly burdensome city regulation on business because it unreasonably interferes with private entities' right to freely contract with each other."

See the mayor's statement here.

The mayor also rejected the council's proposal to fund a redistricting plan, saying that the council should "cease from additional political maneuvering regarding budgeting."

Statement from Council President Maggie A. Lewis:

"To say that we are disappointed in the Mayors decision to veto Proposal 179 and Proposal 273 which directly impact the well-being of Indianapolis residents is an understatement.

Proposal 179 clears the path for hotel workers in our community to earn a livable wage by eliminating obstacles placed before them while seeking dual employment within their chosen industry.

To veto this proposal is reprehensible and communicates an intent of keeping this segment of our community at a lowered income level. This failure to allow individuals the opportunity to provide for their families by earning a livable income in today's economy is an embarrassment.

Deeply as disturbing is the decision to veto Proposal 273. This Proposal included money owed to the Council for redistricting. We are obligated by law to execute a redistricting plan. His actions communicate that the Mayor will stop at nothing to derail the efforts of the Council to pursue a bi-partisan working environment. But I will continue to fight for those who do not have a voice."