AWF Supports Missouri’s Right-to-Work Bill

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The Alliance for Worker Freedom applauds Missouri legislators expected introduction of Right-to-Work legislation next week. The Right-to-Work bill, which would prevent workers from being forced to join a union as a condition of employment, is hotly contested and could be vetoed by Democrat Governor Jay Nixon.

“Freedom of association is one of the most basic liberties we enjoy as Americans,” said Christopher Prandoni, Executive Director of the Alliance for Worker Freedom. “Unfortunately, Big Labor has decided that this liberty is contrary to its interests, and relies in large part upon forcing workers to unionize through arcane labor law. This is precisely the type of strong-arming that the Missouri Right-to-Work initiative is meant to prevent.

Right-to-Work laws are statutes enforced in 22 states, allowed under the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibit unions from making membership and payment of dues a condition of employment. Prior to the passage of the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947, unions and employers could lawfully agree to what is known as a “closed shop,” where workers were forced to join a union as a condition of employment. Right-to-Work laws prohibit this practice.   

“Forcing a worker into contracts and using his dues to benefit union bosses is contrary to the original spirit of the American labor movement. We strongly support Missouri legislators move to combat this injustice, and support their effort to preserve worker freedom in their state,” says Prandoni.