Job growth in Montana has outpaced that of its RTW neighbors: Change in private-sector employment, 2007–2019
| Year | Montana | Neighboring RTW states |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 2008 | 0.0% | 1.0% |
| 2009 | -4.9% | -4.3% |
| 2010 | -5.8% | -5.4% |
| 2011 | -4.4% | -3.7% |
| 2012 | -1.7% | -1.8% |
| 2013 | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| 2014 | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| 2015 | 4.2% | 3.4% |
| 2016 | 5.7% | 3.3% |
| 2017 | 7.0% | 4.4% |
| 2018 | 8.8% | 6.7% |
| 2019 | 10.1% | 8.6% |
Note: Employment change in neighboring RTW states are calculated by averaging the employment change in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Note: Employment change in neighboring RTW states are calculated by averaging the employment change in each state. Neighboring RTW states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
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 BLS Current Employment Statistics data (BLS-CES various years).