Right-to-Work 101
Virginia's Foundation for Economic Freedom & Individual Choice
What is Right-to-Work?
Right-to-Work laws protect a basic principle: that a person’s job should not depend on whether or not they join or pay to support a union. In Virginia, this means that while employees are free to join a union if they would like to, they cannot be required to do so as a condition of employment. Right-to-Work is about freedom of choice, allowing workers to make their own decisions about union membership without pressure or penalty.
What the law does, and doesn’t do.
A history of stability and growth.
Right-to-Work has been a foundation of Virginia’s reputation as an attractive place to work and do business. While debates over labor laws continue in other states, Virginia has offered stability. This consistency matters to both workers and employers. It gives employees confidence that their freedom of choice will be respected, and it gives businesses the certainty they need to plan, invest, and grow.
The bigger picture.
Right-to-Work is not about being “pro-business” or “anti-union.” It is about ensuring that Virginians have the freedom to make their own choices. It is about creating a climate where workers are empowered and employers can thrive. Our economy grows because individuals have the freedom to decide what is best for themselves and their families. By protecting employee choice and encouraging economic growth, Right-to-Work has played a vital role in shaping the Commonwealth we know today.
The numbers behind Right-to-Work
Right-to-Work is more than a principle. It delivers measurable, long-term benefits for workers, businesses, and communities.
Economic Growth and Jobs
- Right-to-Work states saw 27% private-sector job growth between 2001–2016, compared to 15% in non-Right-to-Work states. (U.S. Chamber)
- On average, the annual unemployment rate in Right-to-Work states was 0.4% lower than in non-Right-to-Work states. In concrete terms, if non-Right-to-Work states had the same unemployment rate as Right-to-Work states in 2017, approximately 249,000 more people would have been employed. (U.S. Chamber)
- Manufacturing is stronger in Right-to-Work states, with real output rising 30% compared to 21% in non-Right-to-Work states from 2001-2016. (U.S. Chamber)
- Right-to-Work laws directly affect economic performance through their impact on business location decisions, especially in heavily unionized industries such as manufacturing. Other things being equal, businesses are more likely to locate in states with Right-to-Work laws. There is also evidence that Right-to-Work laws have a direct, positive effect on employment, output, and personal income. (NERA)
- Right-to-Work states account for 17 of the top 20, and 9 of the top 10 states in per-capita capital investment. (Virginia Economic Development Partnership)
- In the 18 years that CNBC has ranked the top states for business, a Right-to-Work state has held the No. 1 spot 16 times. Additionally, Right-to-Work states have made up 80% of the states ranked in the annual top five. (CNBC)
Employee Mobility and Opportunity
- Higher growth rates translates into higher personal incomes: Personal income in Right-to-Work states rose over 10% more than in non-Right-to-Work states between 2001 and 2016, 39% versus 26%. (U.S. Chamber)
- Opponents of Right-to-Work laws often claim that repealing Right-to-Work laws will lead to higher wages for employees. However, when state-specific circumstances are used to conduct a comparison of the relationship between Right-to-Work laws and average wages in the states, Right-to-Work states have slightly higher average wages than their counterparts. (Mackinac Center For Public Policy)
- Right-to-Work states have experienced stronger population growth, with all ten of the top states for net domestic migration in 2024 being Right-to-Work states. (U.S.Census Bureau)
- The percentage growth in the number of people employed from 2014-2024 was significantly higher in Right-to-Work states than non-Right-to-Work states, 16.4% versus 7.4% respectively. (NILRR)
- Since January 2022, Right-to-Work states have led the nation in job growth (percentage increase in total employment), claiming the top five spots and 14 of the top 20. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
