Right to Work

Plain English

Right to work is a state law that protects workers from being required to join a labor union or pay union dues in order to keep their job. In right-to-work states, union membership is voluntary. This contrasts with union-security agreements in other states, where workers may be required to join or contribute to a union as a condition of employment.

Example

An employee in a right-to-work state works at a factory where most workers belong to a union. The employer and union cannot force this employee to join the union or pay fees; they can only work there without union membership if they choose.

Used in a sentence

“The right-to-work law in Texas prevented the union from requiring all factory workers to pay membership dues.”

How Right to Work differs by state

Right to Work can apply differently depending on the state. Click a state to see local specifics.

Related terms