(Undated) - A lawsuit challenging Indiana’s much-debated Right to Work law has been thrown out by a federal judge.

The Right to Work law was passed by the state legislature and signed by then-Governor Mitch Daniels. It prohibits employers from requiring employees to join a union or pay union fees as a condition of employment.

The lawsuit filed last year by the International Union of Operating Engineers names Daniels, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, and former state labor commissioner Lori Torres as defendants. The union claims the law goes against the U.S. Constitution.

Judge Philip Simon of U.S. District Court for Northern Indiana issued his ruling Thursday. He said the lawsuit belongs in state court, The Indianapolis Star reports.

“For better or worse, the political branches of government make policy judgments. The electorate can ultimately decide whether those judgments are sound, wise and constitute good governance, and then can express their opinions at the polls and by other means,” Simon wrote in his decision.

“None of the legal challenges launched by the Union here to attack Indiana’s new Right to Work law can succeed.”

An appeal in federal court is being considered by the union.

There is a second Right to Work lawsuit already at the state level.  United Steel is challenging the law in Lake County court alleging it violates Indiana’s constitution.