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Simple English definitions for legal terms
right to work state
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A quick definition of right to work state:
A "right to work" state is a place where workers don't have to join a union or pay union fees to work for a company. In other states, unions can make agreements with employers that require all workers to pay fees to support the union. But in right to work states, workers have the right to choose whether or not to join a union and pay fees. There are 28 right to work states in the United States, mostly in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West.
A more thorough explanation:
A right to work state is a state that has a law that prohibits union security agreements. This means that employees in unionized workplaces cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment.
For example, if you work in a unionized workplace in a right to work state, you have the right to choose whether or not to join the union and pay union dues. The union cannot force you to join or pay dues in order to keep your job.
The Taft-Hartley Act, which was passed in 1947, outlawed closed shop laws and allowed states to pass right to work laws. As of 2020, there are 28 right to work states in the United States, mostly located in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West regions.
Overall, the right to work laws give employees more freedom and choice in their employment decisions. They also make it easier for businesses to operate without being forced to negotiate with unions or pay union dues for all employees.