INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is hosting an October seminar to help companies in Indiana "protect your workforce from the new 'ambush' union elections, email organizing and other union tactics."

The event -- Remaining Union-Free -- costs up to $500. The location is not publicly available but is sent to attendees within 24 hours of their registration.

“The discussion will be frank. The use of recording devices is strictly prohibited. Attendance is limited to representatives of business organizations only,” the website says. “Individuals affiliated with union organizations are not eligible for registration. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to refuse participation in the program to anyone other than a bonafide management representative.”

The seminar can even be used to satisfy human resource continuing education credits.

Chamber spokeswoman Rebecca Patrick said the chamber has done the program for more than 20 years, usually twice a year.

“A number of years ago, there were several instances in which there were disruptions to the program,” she said. “We simply seek to avoid those.”

Jennifer Elkin, senior vice president of marketing for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to businesses in the state saying that the divisive Trump administration is leading average citizens to march, boycott and participate in other forms of organized protest.

“That same inspiration for action is present in unions as they continue to look to grow in 2018,” the letter said. “It is important to know their strategies and what signs to look for in your organization to keep unions from creating issues for you.”

Union membership in Indiana has dropped from 12 percent in 2007 to 8.9 percent in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During that time, state lawmakers enacted a right-to-work law that prevents unions from charging a representation fee to nonmembers who are covered by union contracts.

“I'm not sure why anyone should be surprised at this,” said Rep. Joe Taylor III, D-South Bend, ranking Democrat on the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and president of United Auto Workers Local 5.

“The Indiana Chamber is a lobbying group designed to protect business and corporate interests. They show no concern for working men and women in Indiana.”

He said the event is closed to the public and press and that the Chamber should be ashamed.

“I would be willing to bet that not a single moment in this workshop will be spent on ways to treat your workers with respect, starting by paying them a decent living wage to care for themselves and their families,” Taylor said.

According to the program for the event, the panel discussions are titled “Making Unions Irrelevant to Your Workforce,” “Avoiding the Union Organizer Altogether,” “Employee Involvement and Its role in Staying Union Free,” “Early Recognition of Organizing Activity” and “Responding to Union Activity and Winning the Election.”

Indiana State AFL-CIO President Brett Voorhies said workers are mobilizing across the country to fight for dignity on the job.

“We're winning back power for working families, and corporations have taken notice. This event is just another tactic to line rich CEOs' pockets instead of giving hardworking Hoosiers their fair share,” he said.

nkelly@jg.net