Creating job security in “right-to-work” states
Most people don’t know that without a union contract, they can be fired for almost any reason or no reason at all. Having a union means you always have someone who has your back if you feel you are being unfairly disciplined or targeted.
On average, workers in right-to-work states are paid 3.2 percent less than workers in states without a right-to-work law, resulting in $1,670 less per year for a full-time worker. A strong union with real resources is the only way to ensure you’re treated fairly at work.
– Becky Sassaman, UFCW Local 7“At 9 months pregnant, I was on the picket line to make sure my employer provided our patients with safe staffing levels they deserve, to get the care they needed.The UFCW means that you don’t have to choose between fighting for what’s right, and providing for the ones you love.”
We continue to fight against efforts at both the state and national level to enact these laws and are beginning to see promising movement. In 2023, Michigan became the first state in 58 years to repeal its right-to-work statute, which will hopefully inspire other states to choose to follow in their footsteps. The UFCW also supports legislation like the Protecting the Right Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen workers’ bargaining power and eliminate right-to-work laws.
