Heartland Institute Experts React to Missouri Passing Right-to-Work Bill

Published February 2, 2017

 

On February 2, the Missouri legislature approved a bill freeing workers from requirements to join a labor union as a condition of employment in their workplace. The so-called “Right-to-Work” bill awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Eric Greitens.

The following statements from public policy experts at The Heartland Institute – a free-market think tank – may be used for attribution. For more comments, refer to the contact information below. To book a Heartland guest on your program, please contact New Media Specialist Billy Aouste at [email protected] and 312/377-4000 or (cell) 847/877-9100.


“With Gov. Eric Greitens’ signature, Missouri will be the 28th state to pass right-to-work laws. An increasing number of Americans are becoming free to join a labor union if they wish, and free to abstain from membership if they wish.

“More lawmakers, all across the nation, are waking up to the economic and social benefits of right to work, and Missouri is just the latest state to board the worker freedom train.”

Jesse Hathaway
Research Fellow, Budget and Tax Policy
The Heartland Institute
Managing Editor, Budget & Tax News
[email protected]
312/377-4000


“Right-to-work laws are a positive reform that all states should consider. They can have a dramatic effect on a state’s economy, creating new jobs and improving a state’s business climate and economic competitiveness.

“Opponents of right-to-work contend the reforms force wages down, disadvantage unions, and lower people’s standard of living. This has not proven to be the case at all. Research has shown states enacting right-to-work have experienced positive economic effects across the board. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that between 1990 and 2014, total employment grew twice as fast in right-to-work states compared to states with compulsory union dues.

“Missouri lawmakers should be applauded for passing this right-to-work measure, a decision that is sure to reap significant economic benefits.”

Matthew Glans
Senior Policy Analyst
The Heartland Institute
[email protected]
312/377-4000


“This vote demonstrates why Republicans’ gains at the state level in recent years are so consequential. Having turned the governor’s office over to Republican Eric Greitens from the Democrat Jay Nixon frees Missouri workers to make their own choices about whether to join unions.

“As the newly elected President Obama ungraciously said in 2009, ‘elections have consequences.’ He’s not gloating any more, and Missouri families have reason to cheer.”

S.T. Karnick
Director of Research
The Heartland Institute
[email protected]
312/377-4000


The Heartland Institute is a 33-year-old national nonprofit organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. For more information, visit our Web site or call 312/377-4000.