John,
What Republicans call “Right to Work” laws aren’t about protecting workers at all. Instead, they represent a frontal attack on unions and a gift to corporate bosses who want to strip workers of their benefits, let wages stagnate, and invest as little as possible in safety or working conditions.
State by state, Republicans have pushed these anti-worker laws, but now, with Trump back in power and Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, they’re taking their most aggressive swing at workers yet. Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Joe Wilson have reintroduced their so-called “National Right to Work Act,” a bill designed to strangle unions across the country by cutting off their primary source of funding.
If passed, this bill would force unions to represent workers who refuse to contribute dues, draining resources and eroding their ability to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and safe conditions. Over time, this weakens unions to the point of collapse -- which is just what big corporations and their political allies want.
What does “Right to Work” really mean for workers? It means the right to be underpaid, overworked, and disposable. It means working in unsafe environments without adequate compensation, with no means to bargain collectively for a better deal. It means that instead of having a say in their wages and conditions, workers are left powerless while CEOs and shareholders rake in record profits.
Stand up against this corporate power grab. Demand that your representatives oppose this anti-worker bill and protect the rights and dignity of working people.
The consequences of “Right to Work” laws are devastating:
Lower wages: In states with these laws, wages are significantly lower than in states where workers have stronger bargaining power.
Weaker benefits: Health coverage and retirement plans are gutted when unions lose their ability to negotiate.
More dangerous workplaces: Workplace injuries and fatalities occur at much higher rates in states where these laws have taken hold.
Union membership is nearly cut in half, dropping to just 5.2% of workers compared to 10% in states without these laws -- leaving workers with little to no leverage against exploitation.
The truth is clear: “Right to Work” laws don’t protect workers -- they protect corporations that want to exploit them.
Currently, 25 states have already fallen for these laws, and the results speak for themselves: When unions are weakened, every worker suffers. Strong unions raise wages and workplace standards across entire industries. But when they’re gutted, all workers are left at the mercy of their employers.
Americans have a Constitutional right to freedom of association. Congress must stand with the millions of Americans who are standing up for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the right to organize to bargain for these things collectively -- the only way for workers to flex their power against the power of the corporations.
Make your voice heard. Tell your members of Congress to reject the National Right to Work Act today.
Thank you for standing in solidarity with America’s workers.
- DFA AF Team
