BACKGROUND:
The term “right to work’ relates to or promotes the right of a worker to be able to obtain employment without being required to join a labor union to do so. When right to work laws are in place, workers cannot be compelled to pay for any cost of union representation, even if the union is active in the workplace and represents many of the other employees. It is a government regulation of contractual agreements between labor unions and employers to prevent the exclusion of non-union workers… The advantage of having right to work provisions in place is that it allows skilled workers to find beneficial employment while preserving their paycheck for their own needs. Some unions may require dues of up to 3.5%, which can take a healthy cut out of a worker’s take-home pay. The disadvantage of having right to work provisions in place is that it enhances the at-will nature of most employment contracts. In an at-will environment, any justifiable reason for termination can cause a worker to lose their job. That reason does not need to be performance related for the termination to be lawful. Termination without disciplinary action may allow unemployment benefits to be obtained, it lessens the protections of workers for their daily employment.
— Pros and Cons of Right-To-Work (KTTN News, July 25, 2018)
REQUIRED RESEARCH (VIDEOS):
Right to Work Laws: Lions, Tigers and Unions. Oh My!
Hip Hughes, February 25, 2015 [9 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTIS_BbI8GY
Note: His information sounds strong, as he uses lots of statistics. I would research his arguments and try to find a more reliable-sounding source for your evidence.
Voters face ‘Right to Work’ addition to Tennessee constitution,
News Channel 5, August 9, 2022 [2 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myGQfnDwrjU
“Right to work” amendment explained,
ABC News, November 23, 2021 [2 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1cjgNsj_fc
Why Right-to-Work Laws are Bad for Workers’ Rights,
Operating Engineers Local 3, February 16, 2021 [5 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUM20_9FClY
[OPTIONAL] Michigan ‘Right-to-Work’ Laws Spark Debate on Labor Unions,
PBS Newshour, December 11, 2012 [12 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwP6bpmb0Yg
Note: Please consider watching this highly reputable news program, which explains the subject well.
REQUIRED RESEARCH (ARTICLES):
America’s unions are gentrifying,
The Economist, December 14, 2022 [PDF]
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2022/12/14/americas-unions-are-gentrifying
Right-To-Work Laws Are Good For Workers,
Forbes Magazine, October 23, 2019 [PDF]
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2019/10/23/right-to-work-laws-are-good-for-workers/
Pros and Cons of Right-To-Work and how they might affect you,
KTTN News, July 25, 2018 [PDF]
https://www.kttn.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-right-to-work-and-how-they-might-affect-you/
[Optional = Skim] Paradox Of Right to Work Laws and International Human Rights Law,
Amadea Datel, Columbia University, Law Review, August 17, 2021 [PDF]
https://www.culawreview.org/journal/the-paradox-of-right-to-work-laws-and-international-human-rights-law
OPTIONAL RESEARCH (ARTICLES & VIDEOS):
[VIDEO] Right-to-Work Laws,
GregU, an e-Learning Provider, October 11, 2018 [3 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1I_d06Bwjo
The Future Looks Bright for the Right-to-Work Movement,
Raymond J. LaJeunesse, Jr., Regulatory Review (Opinion), April 5, 2019
https://www.theregreview.org/2019/04/05/lajeunesse-right-to-work-movement/
The Long-Run Effects of Right to Work Laws,
Harvard University, November 16, 2021
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/matthew-lilley/files/long-run-effects-right-to-work.pdf
Note: The abstract is just one page long. fyi
The Future of Worker Power: Labor Organizing and Labor Law at a Crossroads,
Yale University, October 18, 2022
https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/yale-law-school-events/future-worker-power-labor-organizing-and-labor-law-crossroads
Right to Work Laws and Union Membership,
Marie Siliciano, Princeton University, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, 1929-2022, 2017
http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01zs25xc091
CONTACT INFORMATION (Coach Bill):
Bill Eddy,
billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org
714.655.8135 (I prefer text)
When contacting me, please include your name and class information (day/time). Thanks!
