"Right to Work"

“Right to Work” laws enable non-union workers to enjoy the benefits of union membership without paying dues. This is wrong! It encourages freeloading, it undermines the union’s ability to bargain, and it decreases union membership and revenue. “Right to Work” takes away the rights of working people and makes it harder for them to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. The Economic Policy Institute states, “RTW laws aim to undermine unions’ bargaining strength. Because RTW laws lower wages and benefits, weaken workplace protections and decrease the likelihood that employers will be required to negotiate with their employees, they are advanced as a strategy for attracting new businesses to a state. But EPI research shows that RTW laws do not have any positive impact on job growth.”

Here are the facts:

• Workers in “Right to Work” states earn less
• They are less likely to have health insurance
• Pensions are lower in “Right to Work” states
• Workplace injury and death rates are  higher in “Right to Work” states
• “Right to Work” does not improve employment rates, it actually drives them down
• Poverty rates are higher in “Right to Work” states
• Federal law already protects workers who don’t want to join unions

Tell your state legislators that “Right to Work” is wrong for Illinois.