Right to Work vs. Unions Move into the Spotlight as Election Issues

Author: Hans & Associates
Long Island City, New York City Employment Defense Attorneys

As jobs and the economy become driving concerns for the country, a number of states involved in right to work issues also are grabbing American’s attention. Indiana became a battlefield for varying political views and signed into law a right to work act in 2011. Now the right to work debate is gaining momentum in Michigan as well. Without the right to work, employees working for a unionized employer must pay union dues or face job termination. They have no choice.

Fox News  reports that 22 states now have right to work laws, which do not require, but rather allow employees to make their own decisions about joining and contributing financial support to a union. Employees at railroad and airline industries and certain federally run jobs do not have a right to work option. A right to work law permits employees to resign from union membership and still receive the collective bargaining benefits generally afforded to workers and be free of reprisals based on resignation.

Unions are a burden for small businesses

Unions are not economically affordable for the majority of small and medium sized businesses. They add tremendous stress and encumbrances for a small business owner requiring time and resources they do not have.

New York does not have a right to work law. A New York employment law attorney can assist employers with the challenges arising out of unionization, such as extensive compliance, collective bargaining agreements, and unfair labor practices. Lawyers provide assistance with contract negotiations and handle dispute resolution through arbitration or litigation.