Backers of so-called “Right to Work” policies claim they’re about free choice. All they really do is harm working families. Learn why “Right to Work" is wrong for everyone.
What Does "Right to Work" Mean?
"Right to Work" laws are state-level laws that govern whether workers in union-represented workplaces can be required to pay union dues or fees. In “Right to Work” states, employees may choose not to join the union or contribute financially—even though the union is still legally required to represent them in collective bargaining and workplace matters.
Supporters claim these laws protect individual choice and prevent workers against being forced to join a union. In reality, federal law already makes it illegal to force someone to join a union. What these laws really do is weaken workers’ ability to act collectively by allowing some employees to benefit from union representation without contributing to the costs of negotiating contracts, enforcing workplace protections, or maintaining training and safety standards. “Right to Work” laws shift the balance of power away from workers and make it harder for unions to effectively advocate for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions—affecting both union and non-union workers alike. By many measures, quality of life is worse in states with right to work laws.
States with "Right to Work" Laws Have Lower Wages and Incomes
- On average, a worker’s pay drops by 3.1% when “Right to Work” laws are passed.1
- In 2024, the average wage in “Right to Work” states was $11,275 a year (17.6%) less than in other states ($75,216, compared with $63,982).2
- In 2023, The average median household income in states with these laws was $13,277 (18.8%) less than in other states ($83,880 vs. $70,604).3
Backers claim that “Right to Work” laws will contribute to state job growth, but that’s not what the data says. In fact, studies show that there is not a measurable difference in employment growth in “Right to Work” versus other states.4
Read more >> Data show anti-union ‘right-to-work’ laws damage state economies, EPI, February 2024.
Other Resources
- AFL-CIO: What Unions Do
- AFL-CIO: Your Rights at Work
- Jobs With Justice: Resources For Workers
- NLRB: Employee Rights
Source References
- “Right-to-Work” States Still Have Lower Wages, EPI, April 2015
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (all industries, private ownership, all establishments, average annual pay), 2024 data (Retrieved 1-13-2026).
- U.S. Census Bureau, Median Household Income by State: 2023.
- Data show anti-union ‘right-to-work’ laws damage state economies, EPI, February 2024.