Article

Right-to-Work Takes Us in the Wrong Direction

State and local governments are moving to enact right-to-work laws that harm all workers, regardless of union status, and do not result in the job growth promised by proponents. Policymakers can help working families by pursuing policies to uphold workers’ ability to join together in unions.

 (right-to-work protest)
(right-to-work protest)

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Anti-union state and local policymakers in communities across the country are attacking an already weakened labor movement by enacting so-called right-to-work laws that inhibit workers from bargaining for better wages and benefits. Wisconsin became the 25th state to enact a right-to-work law this spring. Following on its heels, the Republican-led Missouri legislature enacted a similar law yesterday. And where statewide legislation has previously failed, a new strategy has emerged among anti-union lawmakers. These laws are going local in Kentucky and Illinois, with city and county governments enacting ordinances to create local right-to-work zones.

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Authors

Karla Walter

Senior Fellow, Inclusive Economy

Jackie Odum

Research Associate