Question

As you know a number of States have passed right-to-work laws while a number of States have no right-to-work laws. Discuss the meaning of the term “right-to-work” and pros and cons of “right-to-work”. What problems, if any, do you see in a company workplace in Missouri where the majority of the workers want to belong to the union, but where right-to-work laws allow non-union workers as well?

Answer 1

The meaning of right to work is that the employees can work in unionized organizations without joining the unions and without paying the usual union dues. The pro is that it avoids forced union membership and the employees can decide whether to join the union or not. The union cannot forcefully make the employees pay the union dues. The cons are that the control of the union over the employees would reduce along with the revenue which would weaken the union and the union may lose its bargaining power.

In a company workplace in Missouri where the majority workers belong to the union, the union would be more powerful and they can influence the management and exercise their power over the employees more easily. The employees who do not want to join the union or pay the union fee cannot be forced to do so under the right-to-work law and it will help to allow the nonunion workers to work in those organizations. But the organization's environment may not ensure a peaceful life for those employees as the union is powerful and may not consider the nonunion workers while taking important decisions and other employment related activities. Hence there are more chances of violating their rights and the union may not involve in a genuine bargain for those employees as they are not part of the union.