[cotton1706]

The law takes affect on a certain date. Thus anything enacted before that date is binding. States cannot enact ex post facto laws.

[longtermmemmory]

but they can enact laws dealing with adhesion contracts and coercive contracts.

[cuban leaf]

So it only impacts new hires?

I’m also imagining that Kroger’s got a sweet deal from the union.

[John Valentine]

The law takes affect on a certain date. Thus anything enacted before that date is binding. States cannot enact ex post facto laws.

I think most folks understand that. What folks wonder about is how parties can enter into a contract which during the currency of the contract will violate public policy in that jurisdiction.

Michigan has passed a "right to work" law which goes into effect on a certain date. Say I apply for a job at Krogers after that date, and Kroger's tells me that I must join a union or pay dues to the union in any case because their contract requires it.

That's not an ex-post-facto law, that's a contract that's illegal as a violation of public policy.

By the way, contracts are not "enacted"; they are simply agreed to by the parties involved - and to be valid, they must among other things, comply with public policy in the jurisdiction where the contract is to be enforced.

[cripplecreek]

The law took effect on the 28th. There are lawsuits pending regarding the long extensions in schools and universities. These extensions will end up being a real disaster for the unions.