“Right To Work” Laws Associated With Stronger Growth
“Right To Work” Laws Associated With Stronger Growth
(Washington, D.C.) – According to research by the non-profit Illinois Policy Institute, states with right-to-work laws have a significant economic advantage over states where workers can be barred from taking certain jobs unless they agree to join a union. Research shows that between 2002 and 2012, right-to-work states experienced higher employment growth, higher wage growth, and higher GDP growth. The study concludes that while unions “can play a valuable role in allowing workers to present a united front to employers,” and “advocate for the rights of workers,” they cannot provide employment or Wages . While it is important for individuals to have the opportunity to join unions if they so desire, it should not be mandated. Lawmakers seeking to boost economic opportunity should consider that balance as they craft laws to deal with union membership.
Jorge Lima, Policy Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
“One of the great challenges our economy has faced in recent years is the fact that workers’ Wages are simply not rising. With the cost of Education , health care, and other necessities continuing to climb, more and more families are living paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, too many public officials offer nothing more than the same old tired, failed answers. More rules and Regulation s, more Taxes and spending – they are simply not helping.
It’s important to understand the effects of government policies on economic growth – including federal and state laws intended to allow workers to improve their condition through collective bargaining. But the decision to join a union should not be dictated by our laws, rather it should be left up to each individual who can best evaluate the benefits for their particular position. Such policies which make membership a condition of employment can have negative effects, and we need to understand those and correct them. This study is an important contribution to that debate.”
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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