Indiana Supreme Court has upheld the state’s “right to work law.” The ruling is a reversal of Lake County Judge George Paras’ ruling that the state’s constitution was violated by the law. The ruling means that unions can no longer require payment from the nonmember workers represented by that union. Union backers say that this ruling will allow individuals represented by the unions to gain all the benefits without having to pay for them (see related).

After the original ruling by Paras, state officials appealed putting the judge’s Lake County ruling on hold. In an order issued Thursday, all five justices agreed that “any compulsion to provide services does not constitute a demand made by the state.”

Governor Mike Pence was among those pleased by the ruling, issuing the following statement: “Today’s unanimous decision by the Indiana Supreme Court upholding Indiana’s right to work law is a victory for the freedom of every Hoosier in the workplace. By this ruling, our court has reaffirmed Indiana law that no Hoosier may be compelled to join a union as a condition of their employment but every Hoosier is free to join a union if they choose.”