Right to Work—for less

Simply put, right-to-work laws weaken unions and collective bargaining and deny majority rule.

Such laws mandate that unions represent every employee eligible to join—whether or not the employee joins and pays union dues. This forces unions to use their time and members' dues money to provide hard-won benefits to "free riders." Right-to-work laws also thwart majority rule by requiring the many union supporters to bend to the will of the few anti-union workers who can refuse to join the union but still receive all the benefits of membership.

There are several common arguments faced by members in these states seeking to exercise their freedom to join a union:

MYTH: If I’m in a right-to-work state, I can’t be a union member.

FACT: Your individual right to organize and join a union is guaranteed by federal labor law. A state law can’t change that.

MYTH: A union won’t make a difference in my workplace.

FACT: Democratic unions bring a meaningful voice to the workplace and level the playing field with management. But, because unions have a lower profile in so-called right-to-work states, many workers who might like to become union members have less knowledge of how.

MYTH: Right-to-work laws protect workers who don't want to be forced to join the union.

FACT: Federal law already protects those who don't wish to become union members. Many contracts also allow employees the option to become “agency fee payers” who pay a discounted amount for union services but do not get a voice in union elections.

MYTH: If I’m in a right-to-work state, I’ll get the same benefits whether I’m a union member or not.

FACT: Unions make a difference in workers' lives—even in a right-to-work state—by giving workers an equal seat at the table with management and the ability to negotiate a fair contract. If you aren’t a full member, you’ll lose your ability to participate in important union activities.