Explain what a "right-to-work" law is and discuss how it is harmful to unions.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A right-to-work law is a law that prohibits union shop agreements for a given state. Union shop agreements require that workers who are hired into a unionized company join the union within a given period of time (usually 30 days). A right-to-work law is damaging to unions because it makes it harder for unions to collect revenues in the form of union dues. In addition, although their revenues may be lower, they are still obligated by law to fully represent non-dues paying employees. Thus, the union has to do the same amount of work for less compensation. This puts a strain on union finances and drives a wedge between workers, some of who choose to pay dues and some who don't.