So-Called “Right to Work”
A policy that hurts workers
On the surface, So-Called “Right to Work” laws prohibit worker security agreements between labor unions and their employers. In reality, these laws strip workers of union protections, lowering wages and endangering worker safety and health.
Right to Work laws target union finances
These laws make it optional for workers protected by a union contract to help pay for the expenses that a union incurs while guaranteeing the rights of all employees. They restrict freedom of association by prohibiting workers and employers from agreeing to contracts that include fair share fees, forcing dues-paying union members to subsidize services to non-union employees.
In essence, these laws hit unions and their members in the pocketbook, forcing them to pay for services used by non-union members.
The right to work for less
Not only do So-Called “Right to Work” laws target union finances, but they also hurt workers financially as well.
According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, workers in Right-to-Work states are paid 3.2 percent less than workers in non-RTW states, which translates to $1,670 less per year for a full-time worker. Fewer of these workers have employer-sponsored health insurance and pensions compared to the workers in non-RTW states.
The right for a lower quality of life
- The rate of workplace deaths is 52.9 percent higher in states with So-Called “Right to Work” laws.
- States with Right to Work laws spend $2,671 less per pupil on elementary and secondary education than other states.
- Infant mortality rates are 28 percent higher in So-Called “Right to Work” states.
- Life expectancy at birth is 2 years lower in RTW states.
- The number of households in Right to Work states falling below the poverty line is 15 percent higher.
- In RTW states, the number of households receiving food stamps is 10 percent higher.
Federal law already prohibits any American from being forced to join a union, meaning So-Called “Right to Work” laws do not grant any new rights, only weaken unions and their protection of workers.
Studies and analysis of the damage from So-Called “Right to Work” laws
So-Called “Right to Work” is wrong for Montana
This report by the Economic Policy Institute discusses how Montana workers would not see employment gains if a So-Called “Right to Work” law was enacted. Instead, of helping workers, a So-Called “Right to Work” law would curb their ability to collectively push for better wages, benefits and working conditions. It would lower wages for both union and non-union workers.
The effects of “Right-To-Work” regulations on worker earnings, union membership and labor force participation across the United States
Right-to-work is wrong for Missouri
A breadth of national evidence shows why Missouri voters should reject RTW law
This report looks at why So-Called “Right to Work” laws are wrong for Missouri because they will decrease the number of union members, hurt workers – particularly women and people of color – by lowering wages and have an overall negative impact on the state’s economy.
Promoting Good Jobs and a Stronger Economy
How Free Collective-Bargaining States Outperform “Right-to-Work” States
This report shows that states without Right to Work laws have higher wages, greater health coverage, better retirement security, more investment in education and worker training, fewer on-the-job fatalities, faster-growing economies, higher life expectancies, lower infant mortality rates, and broader civic and political engagement.
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