What Is “Right to Work” and Why It’s Bad for Union Members Like You – Electrical Workers Local 993

Politics

Posted on April 16, 2025 4:53 pm

 

You may have heard the term “Right to Work” thrown around in the news or on social media. It might even sound like a good thing. Who wouldn’t want the “right” to work? But don’t be fooled by the name. “Right to Work” laws are not about giving you more rights. They’re about weakening unions like ours and lowering wages, benefits, and job security for everyone, including you.

Let’s break it down in plain language so it’s easy to understand.

What Is “Right to Work”?

Right to Work laws let people work in unionized jobs without paying union dues. That might sound good to some at first, “I get the benefits of a union without paying for it!”, but it’s actually a setup to cripple unions over time.

If fewer people pay dues, the union has less money to:

• Fight for better wages and benefits

• Protect workers from unfair treatment

• Win strong contracts

• Offer training and safety programs

In short: less money = weaker union.

So What Happens When Unions Are Weaker?

When unions lose power, here’s what you can expect:

• Lower wages
  In Right to Work states in the U.S., workers make around $8,000 less per year on average than workers in strong union states.

• Worse benefits
  Health care, pensions, and vacation time all take a hit.

• Fewer safety protections
  Without a strong union backing you up, employers cut corners. Injuries go up.

• Less job security
  If you get laid off or treated unfairly, good luck fighting it without a union that has resources and legal support.

Who Benefits from “Right to Work”?

Big corporations.
That’s it.

These laws are pushed by the same rich folks and politicians who want to cut costs by cutting you down. If unions are gone, they can do whatever they want without anyone standing up to them.

How Does This Affect You in IBEW 993?

Imagine this:

• You pay your dues and work hard to keep our union strong.

• A co-worker doesn’t pay dues, but still gets the same wages, benefits, and protections you fought for.

• Over time, more people stop paying.

• The union has no money left to bargain or defend you.

• Contractors start paying less. Benefits shrink. Safety slips.

• You’ve still got your tools, but you’ve lost your power.

That’s what “Right to Work” does.

Bottom Line

Right to Work is a trick.
It sounds nice, but it’s really just a way to destroy unions from the inside out.

If the Conservatives bring this law to Canada, it will hurt every working person — union or not. It’s up to us to fight back by staying united, paying our dues, and spreading the truth.

Strong unions = strong workers.
Don’t let “Right to Work” take that away from you.