“So Called Right to Work” laws 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.
On its surface, a “so called right to work” law prohibits worker security agreements between labor unions and their employers. In reality, the law strips workers of protections afforded by unions.
The laws are allowed under the 1947 federal Taft–Hartley Act.
“Right to Work” is a grossly misleading title, created by its supporters and proponents to put a positive spin on the otherwise damaging statute.
“So Called Right to Work” = ATTACK on Middle Class!
“So Called Right to Work” Laws Amount to “Right To Work FOR LESS”
Anti-labor interests attempt to install “so called right to work” laws to further weaken working people. These laws weaken organized labor, reduce wages and are detrimental to worker safety and health.
The FACTS About “So Called Right to Work”
FACT:
Wages in “so called right to work” states are at least 3.2% lower than those in other states.
FACT:
The rate of employer-sponsored health insurance is at least 2.6% lower in “so called right to work” states.
FACT:
The rate of employer-sponsored pensions is at least 4.8% lower in “so called right to work” states.
FACT:
The poverty rate is at least 2.3% higher in “so called right to work” states.
- Federal law already prohibits any American from being forced to join a union.
- “So called right to work” laws don’t grant any rights, they simply weaken unions.
- Federal law also prohibits unions from using member or non-member fees to pay for activities that might violate political or religious beliefs of a worker.
- States without “so called right to work” laws have healthier tax bases.
- “So called right to work” laws disproportionately harm women. Union women, on average, earn $149 more per week than non-union women.
- “So called right to work” laws disproportionately harm people of color. Hispanic and Latino union members earn 45 percent more and African-Americans who are in unions see salaries 30 percent higher than African-Americans who are not in unions.
- “So called right to work” laws undercut unionized businesses in the states where they exist because non-union businesses can offer cheaper goods and services by exploiting their workers.