Right-to-Work Laws Just Work
December 18, 2012
Last week Michigan became the 24th state to join the ranks of right-to-work states. The state’s new law ensures workers in the state will not have to pay union dues or join a union in order to get or keep a job. If the experience of the other right-to-work states is any predictor, the people of Michigan will benefit and the state will improve economically. President Obama took the side of the labor unions -- and against increased freedom for workers -- when he said the law takes away “rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions.” The President went on to say, “these right-to-work laws have nothing to do with economics and everything to do with politics.” He is wrong on both counts.
When Michigan decided to join the ranks of states that enjoy the economic benefits of right-to-work laws, it did so for good reason. According to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the state currently ranks 47th among the 50 states in terms of economic competitiveness. In light of such dire economic conditions and the recent decisions of neighboring states (Indiana passed a right-to-work law in February) to adopt right-to-work laws with economic success, Michigan’s decision seemed inevitable.
Right-to-Work Laws Do Not Take Away Rights
Right-to-work laws impose no limitation on the ability of workers within a state to unionize or collectively bargain. Michigan merely allowed its citizens the right to choose whether to pay union dues. Right-to-work states increase employment freedom without limiting the rights of other workers to unionize.
The rights of workers to unionize and enter into collective bargaining agreements are well-established under federal law. But federal law recognizes the rights of states to adopt right-to-work laws. Under the Taft-Hartley Act, Congress permitted the states to decide whether or not to allow right-to-work laws or compulsory unionism in their state.
“… freedom of individual choice is the bedrock upon which the right-to-work laws rest. The right to work is a basic personal liberty of freedom of association, guaranteed by the first amendment of the Bill of Rights, the same amendment that protects freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, and the very same amendment which constitutionally protects the right of unions to exist as private associations.” Senator Everett Dirksen, January 1966
Right-to-work laws have been successful in the states that have used them. They expand the rights of workers and encourage business development and job creation. These are the solutions 22.7 million unemployed or underemployed Americans are looking for, and that our economy desperately needs.
