Right to Work State

In the United States, a 'right to work' state is a state that has enacted laws that prohibit union security agreements between employers and labor unions. These laws give employees the right to choose whether or not to join a union or pay union dues, and prohibit employers from requiring union membership or payment of union dues as a condition of employment.

Right to work laws are often seen as controversial and are debated among labor unions, employers, and politicians. Supporters of right to work laws argue that they promote individual freedom and worker choice, and can help to attract businesses to the state by making it easier to operate without union restrictions. Opponents argue that right to work laws weaken the power of labor unions, lower wages and benefits for workers, and can lead to a decline in working conditions and job security.

Currently, there are 27 right to work states in the United States, primarily located in the southern and western regions of the country. The other 23 states do not have right to work laws and allow union security agreements to be negotiated between employers and labor unions.