Posted on 03/11/2015 1:13:50 PM PDT by reaganaut1
For quite a few years, the number of states with Right-to-Work statutes was stuck at 22. Oklahoma adopted RTW in 2001, but then no more did so (despite serious legislative battles) until Indiana in 2012 and Michigan in 2013.
Wisconsin has now become the 25th RTW state.
What is going on? I think the momentum toward RTW – or more accurately, the declining appeal of compulsory unionism – is explained by two things. First, it is becoming clear that RTW status helps attract business, while compulsory unionism repels it.
Second, more and more workers who once regarded labor unions as crucial to their success and happiness are realizing that they aren’t, and in fact just want to grab some of their money.
On the first point, there is a pretty strong correlation between business and economic growth in a state and having a RTW law. In a recent paper, “The Economic Impact of a Right-to-Work Law on Wisconsin,” Richard Vedder, Joseph Hartge, and Christopher Denhart concluded that the Badger state has retarded its economic growth by remaining (until now) a compulsory unionism state. Suppose that Wisconsin had adopted RTW back in 1983 – where would the state have been in 2013? Their answer is that per capital income would have been $1,683 higher than it was.
But why do we see that correlation? Bear in mind that RTW laws do not prevent workers from seeking to unionize. The federal labor statute, the National Labor Relations Act, applies equally in all states and its provisions strongly tilt the playing field in favor of unionization. But because workers who don’t want to pay union dues cannot be fired in RTW states, unions are less interested in trying to win certification there.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
The unions should no longer remain dependent on the thugocracy that has imposed membership upon the unwilling, in the face of threats both implied and physical. If union membership is a good deal, the individual worker will make up his mind on that, but the right of the individual to choose has been restored.
“What The Right-To-Work Momentum Means”
It means Illinois is SCREWED...
Missouri is trying to get it passed, as well, but the Dem Gov is blocking it.
What it means?
FREEDOM.
Why does Missouri lag?
You know what! I believe that making routine donations to my church is a good thing to do. Instead of workers unions how about if we had compulsory church support. I should be able to hold an election at work whereby, if more than 50% of my co-workers vote for my church then everyone at work has to make donations, via payroll deduction, to my church.
{sarc}
First Republicans told us to give them a majority. We did. Then they said give us a super-majority. We did. Now they say give us a Republican Governor. Linguini-spined, union-loving RINOs!
Republicans could easily override Gov. Nixon's veto. But I doubt they have the courage.
Republicans played the same game in Michigan till they had their backs to the wall with full ownership of state government and no more excuses.
People don’t vote for problems that have been solved, people vote for someone to solve existing problems.
Michigan and Wisconsin are traditional big labor bastions, it’s a huge coup to pass RTW in those states.
I’m amazed. I never believed it would happen in my lifetime.
We need RTW in Pennsylvania.... the union political power in this state is obscene.
There was some talk of RTW moving forward in Penn. Republicans control both Houses. May take quite a fight to overcome new Dem Gov. veto.
Never going to happen now... that was one of the reasons unions spent millions to defeat Corbett :-(
Missouri Legislature just passed Right to Work law! Headed to Governor’s Desk for his signature. Missouri now number 28th State to become RTW!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.