So-called right-to-work laws are wrong for workers. These deceptive measures undermine workers' ability to negotiate fair wages and benefits while weakening workplace safety standards. They are designed with a simple purpose: to tilt the balance of power toward corporations and rig the system so it makes it harder for workers to form unions and have a collective voice in the workplace.
So-Called Right-to-Work Defined
- policy requiring unions to represent workers in a bargaining unit even if they don’t pay their dues.
- forced representation of free riders
So-called right-to-work is an effort to undermine unions and turn good blue collar jobs into low wage, no benefit jobs.
- So-called right-to-work forces unions to represent workers that don’t pay their dues; threatening the union’s financial stability and long term survival.
- Without a union, low road contractors have free rein to cut pay and benefits.
- Our country is about more than just low wage jobs. Our country is about the opportunity to get ahead and prosper.
Numerous studies show that so-called right-to-work is bad for workers and communities.
- Workers in so-called right-to-work states earn almost a third less than those without such laws.
- Fewer families have access to employer paid health insurance and a pension plan in so-called right-to-work states.
- Businesses and the local economy suffer. When workers can’t afford to pay bills, they can’t spend money at the grocery store, the gas pump, or in local stores—or even afford to buy a home.
So-called right-to-work is a deception that destroys careers for the workers who build America
- It is by having the freedom to join together in a union that construction workers earn family-supporting pay and stay safer on the job.
- It is through union training and apprenticeship programs that workers of all backgrounds are able to build careers in construction.
- It is through unions that wage disparities are reduced or eliminated.
Know the facts. So-called Right-to-Work doesn't create jobs. It turns good union jobs into bad jobs.
- On average, workers in "right to work" states make 15.2% less annually, approximately $50,174 less than workers in free bargaining states.
- In so-called right-to-work states, fewer are free to join a union, slashing retirement contributions and crippling pensions.
- Uninsured rates are higher in "right to work" states (11.9%) than free bargaining states.
- 'Right-to-Work" states have a 37% higher workplace fatality rate.
- "Right-to-work" states have a significantly higher proportion of low-wage jobs (24%) than free bargaining states (14.5%).
LIUNA actively opposes right-to-work legislation and educates the public about how these laws drive down wages and benefits for all workers.