Senator Rand Paul (R) introduced a federal so-called “right to work” law (S. 204) on January 31st that would amend the National Labor Relations Act to bar the inclusion of union security clauses in collective bargaining agreements, which would undermine labor organizing nationwide.
“Right to work laws, in fact, inhibit the rights of workers by limiting the ability of RNs, teachers, police officers and other workers in both private and public sectors to successfully advocate for fair working wages and benefits that protect them and the people they serve, said NFN president Barbara Crane, RN. “This backwards legislation would eliminate basic union organizing and workplace protections for hard working Americans, and sets back a labor movement that promoted civil rights, women’s rights and economic justice.”
The Economic Policy Institute published a study on the income gap between right to work (RTW) states and states that honor union security agreements. Average hourly wages are 16 percent lower in RTW states, from $19 to $22 below non RTW states. Health insurance, pensions, and safety standards are also lower for workers where RTW laws exist. The AFL-CIO notes that health and safety standards are so weakened by RTW laws that workplace deaths increase by 51 percent in states that enact them. Advocates for these RTW laws say they are fighting for a person’s right to a job, but those jobs are more dangerous, less protected and compensated at much lower levels than those in states that allow union security agreements.
The NFN opposes this legislation any future RTW bills around the country. We do believe we have a right to work—a right to work for a fair wage, in a safe place, for employers that respect us, and, above all, a right to collectively bargain for these rights