Montana and its RTW neighbors have similar unemployment rates: Unemployment rates, 2007--2019
| Year | Montana | Neighboring RTW states |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 3.6% | 2.9% |
| 2008 | 5.2% | 3.8% |
| 2009 | 7.1% | 6.7% |
| 2010 | 7.7% | 6.9% |
| 2011 | 7.3% | 6.5% |
| 2012 | 6.1% | 5.7% |
| 2013 | 5.5% | 4.9% |
| 2014 | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| 2015 | 4.1% | 4.0% |
| 2016 | 4.2% | 4.0% |
| 2017 | 4.0% | 3.7% |
| 2018 | 3.7% | 3.4% |
| 2019 | 3.5% | 3.3% |
Note: The unemployment rate in neighboring RTW states are calculated by averaging the unemployment rates of each state. Neighboring RTW states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Note: The unemployment rate in neighboring RTW states are calculated by averaging the unemployment rates of 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey data (BLS-CPS various years).