They argue the “free riders” ultimately result in more and more workers leaving the union, undermining the stability and financing of the union itself. Opponents of worker protections says right-to-work laws give non-union members a “free ride” in the workplace, enabling them to benefit from union representation and union-secured benefits without sharing in the cost of negotiating those benefits. In these states, union executives require that workers who do not pay union dues be terminated. States without right-to-work laws do not allow workers that choice, instead requiring employees to pay union dues or “agency fees” as a condition of employment. In states with right-to-work laws, workers can choose not to join a union and not pay dues without being fired. Currently 26 states have right-to-work laws that protect workers. Lawmakers in three states, Indiana, Michigan and West Virginia, recently enacted right-to-work protections, also called “workplace freedom” or “workplace choice,” with more states introducing legislation and debating the issue every year. The push for workers to gain legal right-to-work protection, the right of a person to hold a job without having to pay dues to a union, is steadily taking center stage across the country, as state leaders strive to improve their ability to create jobs, promote economic development and attract new businesses. Worker’s Choice would serve the public interest because public-sector workers would not be forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment, and the civil rights of all workers would be protected. Unions would then negotiate separately on behalf of their own members. Worker’s Choice would enable public sector employees to represent themselves. The solution is a policy of Worker’s Choice release public employees from unwanted union representation and relieve unions from providing services to workers who do not want them. In a case of circular reasoning, union executives use their monopoly position to compel workers to pay dues, then label these reluctant workers “free riders” when the workers say they don’t want union representation. Employees may not represent themselves when negotiating with their employer, nor may any other union compete for membership.
Unions only represent non-union workers when union executives take on exclusive bargaining representation.Įxclusive bargaining gives unions a monopoly.
Opponents of worker protections say non-union members are “free riders” who benefit from union representation without sharing in the cost.įederal law does not obligate unions to represent non-members. “Compelled riders” are forced to accept union representation even if they would prefer to represent themselves when negotiating with employers. States without right-to-work laws force workers to pay union dues. In states with right-to-work laws, workers can choose not to join a union and not be fired.
#A FREE RIDER PROBLEM PDF#
Download a PDF of this policy note with sources and citations here.
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