So-Called “Right to Work”
A Deceptive Name for an Anti-Worker Policy
The designation of “Right to Work” was created by the supporters and proponents of anti-labor
interests to put a positive spin on an otherwise damaging statute.
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 Hurt Unions and their Members
The Right to Work for Less
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.
By many measures, quality of life is worse in states with So-Called “Right to Work” laws. Wages are lower, people are less likely to have health insurance, and the necessary resources for quality education, and poverty levels are higher, as are workplace fatality rates. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Census Bureau:
- 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 percent 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 rights, only weaken unions and their protection of workers.
Studies and Analysis of the Damage From So-Called “Right to Work” Laws
To learn about the dangers of So-Called “Right to Work” laws, the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council encourages you to read more.
So-Called “Right to Work” is wrong for Montana
David Cooper
Julia Wolfe
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
Promoting Good Jobs and a Stronger Economy
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. “Right-to-work” states, on the other hand, have worse economic outcomes and weaker communities.