What Does Arizona’s “Right to Work” Law Mean?

From the time I first moved to Arizona, people would say that our state is a "right-to-work state". The implication was that I could leave a job for any reason without giving my employer notice, or that I could be fired for any reason without my employer giving me a reason.

People would just say, "Yeah, well, Arizona's a right-to-work state," as though that were the end of it. But what does that mean?

Arizona's Right to Work Law

It's true. Arizona is a right-to-work state. According to NFIB.com, the law was first established in 1946.

Article 25 of the Arizona Constitution provides a benefit for workers, which says, "No person can be compelled to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment."

Workers have the freedom to choose whether to join a union and to do so without fear of losing their jobs.

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The law is also good for employers. It enables businesses to have greater flexibility when hiring staff and managing their workforce. Employers are not required to adhere to an agreement with a union, which can dictate the terms of employment.

This means that employers can keep labor costs under control without the disruption caused by striking workers.

It can get tricky when employers have a workforce that's made up of both union and non-union workers, however.

READ: Arizona Ranked 49th In Nation For Mental Health "Devastating" 

Criticism of Right to Work in Arizona

Not everyone thinks this is the best system for workers. Some critics argue that it leads to poor working conditions and lower wages for workers. Supporters say it attracts more businesses to our state and provides both workers and employers with greater flexibility.

In a Phoenix New Times article about a nonprofit group in our state, Arizona Works Together, the group explains that it pushed to get a ballot measure on the ballot last year that was aimed at repealing Arizona’s right-to-work law.

With pluses and minuses on both sides of the argument, time will tell whether the existing laws will stand, or voters will find a new system that they believe will work better for everyone.