The right to work legislation is crucial in limiting the extent that an existing union can make it mandatory for its member employees to pay union dues, or fees in the course of employment, either before or after hiring. The act is a government regulation on agreements between unions and employees. The legislation is important in controlling union activities ensuring that the union is not unfair towards membership in requiring members (new or existing) to pay union fees or compel them to join the union. The law also protects the freedom of association that is right to join or refrain at will and protects the minority from majoritarian bargaining.
The adoption and implementation of the right to work legislation by United Auto Workers end the era of compulsory membership and union dues. The legislation was a win for the Auto workers in many states specifically Michigan who now have the right to decide whether to continue with the union membership or opt out and not fear for the security of their jobs.
The legislation negatively affects UAW as the union can no longer impose membership dues on a member. The members will have the right to decide whether or not they wish to continue supporting the organization. The union is faced with a dilemma in that it may no longer have enough funds to run its operations. Also, the members will have the right to opt out at will. Hence, members may withdraw and join other unions.
The legislation clarifies a worker cannot be fired for refusing to support a union. UAW may finally get to a point where it's forced to close business. This will be because workers may decide not to opt out but decide not to support the union financially.
References
Hogler, & L., R. (2015). The End of American Labor Unions: The Right-to-Work Movement and the Erosion of Collective Bargaining: The Right-to-Work Movement and the Erosion of Collective Bargaining. ABC-CLIO.
Jr, F., J., J., & Perine., a. J. (2013). State labor legislation enacted in 2012. Monthly Lab. Rev. 136, 24.
Kaminski, & Michelle. (2015). How Michigan Became a Right to Work State The Role of Money and Politics. Labor Studies Journal, 0160449X15619542.
Sheppard, & Barry. (2014). Autoworkers union loses key battle. 17.
