Right to Work is On the Rise

As the national debate over workers’ rights versus union power unfolds, three states—Ohio, Montana, and New Hampshire—are emerging as battlegrounds in the fight for Right to Work laws. These states could potentially join the 26 others that already provide workers with the freedom to choose whether or not to join a union without fear of losing their jobs.

Right to Work laws don’t ban unions or prevent workers from joining them. Instead, they ensure that no worker is forced to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment. In states with forced unionism, workers are forced to pay union fees—even if they opt out of union membership.

This has been a hot-button issue for workers who believe they should have the right to choose whether or not to support union activities financially. Given that Labor Unions contribute a majority of their political spending, over $400 million in 2020, to leftist causes and candidates, we can see why these workers want out.

See Also: Governor Ron DeSantis is Taking a Page Right Out of the Reagan Playbook

But it is more than just politics, and as one famous Democrat said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” We agree, and studies consistently show that Right to Work states enjoy faster job growth and higher economic performance than their forced-unionist counterparts.

A National Institute for Labor Relations Research (NILRR) report, drawing on data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows that the number of individuals employed from 2013 to 2023 grew nearly twice as fast in Right to Work states as in forced-unionism states: 16% in Right to Work states versus only 8.3%.

Here is a breakdown of the potential Right to Work fights in 2025:

Ohio: The Midwest’s Economic Battleground

Ohio has long been a key player in the Midwest’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, making it a critical state for Right to Work advocates. Ohio’s workers, many of whom are in the private sector, face the burden of mandatory union dues in many industries. With neighboring states like Indiana and Kentucky already embracing Right to Work, Ohioans are beginning to question why their state hasn’t followed suit. A Right to Work law could attract new businesses, boost job creation, and offer workers greater freedom in how they choose to engage with unions.

Montana: A Western Frontier for Worker Freedom

Montana was close to becoming a Right to Work state in the late 2000s but progress slowed after conservative legislators experienced tough losses in 2012. Now, the Right to Work debate is heating up again, and in Montana, known for its rugged individualism, workers are increasingly frustrated with the state’s forced unionism policies, which allow unions to collect fees from workers who don’t want to be part of the union. With the state’s economy increasingly reliant on tourism, tech, and agriculture, Montana stands to benefit from the kind of economic freedom that Right to Work offers. Workers want to decide whether to support union bosses, especially in industries where union involvement may not align with their personal or professional interests. With a Republican majority in the Legislature, this should be a no-brainer, but whether the politicians have the guts to act is a different story.

New Hampshire: A Libertarian-leaning State Ready for Change

New Hampshire, known for its “Live Free or Die” motto, seems like a natural fit for Right to Work laws. The state has long been a stronghold of individual liberty, yet it remains one of the 24 states where workers can be forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment. As more businesses and workers flock to New Hampshire for its low taxes and pro-business environment, adopting a Right to Work law would further enhance the state’s reputation as a place of freedom and economic opportunity. The push for worker freedom in New Hampshire is gaining steam, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a pivotal issue in state politics. Like Montana, passing this bill might come down to the next governor and whether they will make the smart move to put this into law.

See Also: Reviewing New Hampshire’s 2024 Legislative Session

A Growing National Trend

The movement toward Right to Work is gaining momentum across the United States. With 26 states already on board, the potential for Ohio, Montana, and New Hampshire to join the ranks of Right to Work states is significant. These laws give workers the freedom to decide whether or not to support a union without fear of losing their jobs, and the economic data clearly shows that states with Right to Work laws enjoy stronger growth, higher incomes, and greater economic freedom.

As more Americans realize the benefits of Right to Work, the pressure is mounting on lawmakers in Ohio, Montana, and New Hampshire to give their workers the freedom they deserve. By embracing Right to Work, these states can unleash new economic opportunities and ensure that workers are no longer forced to subsidize unions they don’t want to support.

The future of worker freedom in these states hangs in the balance, and it’s up to the citizens and legislators to push for change that empowers workers, grows the economy, and enhances individual liberty.