Nationally, workers in RTW states have lower wages: Median hourly wages, by RTW status, nationally and comparing Montana with neighboring states, 2019
| sector | all |
|---|---|
| All non-RTW states | $20.42 |
| All RTW states | $17.92 |
| Montana | $17.72 |
| RTW neighbors | $17.86 |
Note: Median wages by RTW status are calculated by averaging the median wages in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Data are in 2019 dollars.
Note: Median wages by RTW status are calculated by averaging the median wages in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Data are in 2019 dollars.
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 2017–2019 Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Group microdata (2021).