National Right to Work Act Reintroduced in the Senate

A bill that would repeal the provisions in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Railway Labor Act (RLA) that permit employers and unions to draft agreements requiring union membership and payment of union dues or fees a condition of employment was reintroduced in the Senate on Tuesday. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced the National Right-to-Work Act (S. 504), which was co-sponsored by seven others. Sen. DeMint last introduced this measure during the 110th Congress, with Rep. Steve King (R-IA) sponsoring a similar bill in the House in 2009.  This bill has been introduced a dozen times in the House and Senate since 2001, but each time it has failed to sufficiently advance. Currently, twenty-two states already have right-to-work laws in place. A number of the remaining states have similar laws pending in their legislatures.

In a statement, Sen. DeMint said:

No American should be forced to join a union and pay dues to get a job in this country. Many Americans are already struggling just to put food on the table, and they shouldn’t have to fear losing their jobs or face discrimination if they don’t want to join a union. Forced-unionism shields unions from member accountability and has a detrimental effect on the economy. In states where companies are forced to hire only union workers, businesses have struggled to compete while they deal with counterproductive work rules.

This measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Given the current composition of the Senate, however, this bill will likely share the fate of its predecessors.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.