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10 Reasons Why Right-to-work is Right for Michigan

In Michigan, we’ve had the opportunity to feel and see the prosperity and success being a right-to-work (RTW) state brings. And, we’re not alone in that success. RTW means freedom for workers to choose and prosperity for Michiganders. 27 states across the United States agree, and have experienced the benefits.         

In October 2022, the unemployment rate in right-work-states was 3.4% compared to 3.9% in states without right-to-work laws on the books. A Harvard study found that the share of manufacturing employment was 28% higher in right-to-work states than non-right-to-work states they bordered.

If we’re going to establish Michigan as a top 10 state, we can’t go back. Other RTW states will easily jump ahead if we allow the legislature to repeal RTW. Moving beyond what we know and see in Michigan, we’re sharing 10 examples of RTW’s success across the United States.

 

1. Utah

Utah became  a RTW state in1955. Just 4.1% of Utah workers belonged to a union in 2018 — less than half the national average of 10.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the benefits are clear: Utah has the lowest unemployment rate of any state, at only 2.2% as of December 2022.

2. North Dakota

Adopted in 1948, RTW continues todraw business developments that stimulate growth and help residents live better lives. North Dakota is tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in the U.S., at only 2.3% of their labor force looking in December 2022.

3. South Dakota

South Dakota adopted RTW in1946 and is tied with its northern counterpart for the second lowest unemployment rate in the U.S., at 2.3% as of December 2022.

4. Nebraska

Nebraksa has allowed its people to be employed the way they want to be – freely – since 1946. They currently can boast only a 2.6% unemployment rate.

5. Florida

We often look to Florida to see how we can better mirror their education system and other practices and priorities. The sunshine state has had it right on RTW since 1944. As of now, they only have 2.5% unemployment.

6. Alabama

RTW was adopted in 1953 and formally put in their state constitution in 2016, passing with 69.61% in favor. This huge manufacturing southern state has remained under 3.0% unemployment at 2.8%.

7. Kansas

Since passage in 1958, RTW is just one of the policies that attracts international companies to Kansas. Like we see in other states, having a RTW policy means top consideration for investment and jobs. Kansas has a 2.9% unemployment rate. 

8. Virginia

Its been more than 75 years since Virginia brought in RTW in 1947. With just 3.0% unemployement and an influx of scientific and technology companies and opportunities coming in, this state is poised to hold its position as one of the best in the nation.

9. Georgia

This southern hub has maintained RTW since 1947 even though it has shifted blue.

10. Iowa

Indiana also adopted RTW in 2012, like Michigan, and has seen tremendous positive change, especially where they border Illinois. They only have 3.1% unemployment throughout the state. See in detail how they have made strides in our recent blog here. 

Source: bls.gov.