A union is a group of people who join together to bargain with their employer for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Unions were designed to check those in power and ensure a better working environment for all workers. Currently in the United States, 23 states have this ability, known as compulsory unionism. Contrary to the name, this type of law is not forced; federal law protects the right not to join a union. 

The rest of the 27 states, including Texas, are “Right-to-Work” states, meaning union membership cannot be compulsory for employment. This type of approach, while seemingly fair, weakens unions and deprives those workers of benefits provided for their unionized peers. 

Due to Texas’ complex history of brief independence intertwined with secession, it grew a reputation to support states’ rights as a right-leaning state, supporting limited government interference into states’ affairs.

When joining a union, union dues comprise of typically 1-2% of gross wages from hours worked. After this, workers gain the right to bargain for better wages, protection from arbitrary employer actions and increased access to quality medical benefits. For example, 96% of union employees receive access to medical care benefits compared to the 69% of non-union employees.

According to Georgetown University, the McCourt School of Public Policy found that workers in unions were more likely to see an increase in total compensation, including wages and benefits. This incentivizes union members to stay at their jobs longer and perform at a higher level than their non-union counterparts. Thus, worker productivity and loyalty are elevated, hiring costs are reduced and business growth is stimulated.

Workers in right-to-work states such as Texas, meanwhile, are more likely to work in unsafe conditions and have longer hours, as they are not able to bargain for better circumstances. Therefore non-union workers are more vulnerable to their employer’s actions and usually left with lower salaries and less benefits than their union peers.

Ultimately, while both options have their advantages and disadvantages, right-to-work laws offer more individual freedom. Compulsory union laws, despite more effort needed to uphold and organize them, are more suitable when striving for upward mobility in a society.