What does it mean to be a Right-to-Work state?
Rep. Will Smith has sponsored New Hampshire's Right to Work Act
Depending on one’s political perspective, it could mean more employee freedom and a better business climate, or it could mean lower pay for workers.
The New Hampshire Senate will give its answer to the question Wednesday when it takes up one of the more controversial issues of the session with House Bill 474.
The Bill
For some context: Federal law prohibits private sector workers from being forced to join unions. But, unions are required to bargain on their behalf if all workers fall under a negotiated contract — and unions are allowed to collect fees for that service.
Under HB 474, New Hampshire’s public employees also would have the choice of whether or not to join a union — and unions would not be allowed to collect fees for negotiating contracts of non-union workers. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Will Smith (R-New Castle).
Two successful House amendments clarify that bargaining agreements negotiated by unions will only apply to their members, and not the workers who decline to join.
The Senate Commerce Committee, however, recommends stripping out that those provisions — meaning unions would bargain on behalf of non-union employees.
For and Against
Supporters of the Right to Work Act, as it’s named in the legislation, say it gives both workers and employers more freedom of choice and would spur economic development by creating a more business friendly environment.
Opponents say HB 474 is a solution in search of a problem since it is being pushed by out-of-state special interest groups and not by businesses in New Hampshire.
Opponents also say it will depress wages for all workers, while potentially creating different pay scales for workers doing the same jobs. In February, Department of Labor Commissioner George Copadis testified that in his six years on the job that not one business had asked him about right-to-work.
Status
The Right to Work Act passed the House in February by a 221-131 vote and the Senate Commerce Committee approved it last week by 4-1 party line vote. Gov. John Lynch has promised to veto the measure if it reaches his desk.
If it becomes law, New Hampshire would join almost two dozen other states with right-to-work laws. It would be the first state north of Virginia to adopt them.
Q&A
Should unions bargain on behalf of non-union employees? Should public employees be allowed to work without joining a union? What effect do you think all this has on the state’s economy?
Share your thoughts below (comments policy here).
>> Wednesday, April 20, 10 a.m. – Full session of the Senate to vote on HB 474 and more than 30 other bills and amendments (State House, Senate Chambers).
This Daily Dispatch was written by Michael McCord.