States with RTW laws constrain worker organizing: Union coverage rates in Illinois and neighboring RTW states, by sector, 2019–2021
Illinois | RTW neighbors | |
---|---|---|
Total workforce | 15.0% | 9.5% |
Private sector | 9.5% | 6.7% |
Note: The coverage rate in neighboring RTW states is calculated by averaging the coverage rate in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
Note: The coverage rate in neighboring RTW states is calculated by averaging the coverage rate in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
"Coverage rates" are the share of workers covered by a collective bargaining contract.
So-called right-to-work (RTW) laws make it illegal for a group of unionized workers to negotiate a collective bargaining contract (a contract governing workplace wages, benefits, and working conditions) that includes “fair share fees.” A contract with fair share fees requires all employees who enjoy the contract’s benefits to pay their share of the costs of negotiating and enforcing it.
Source: EPI analysis of pooled 2019–2021 Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Group microdata.