There has always been debate in this country surrounding unions, organized labor and employment issues in general, especially in recent years as more and more Americans have lost jobs and the state of the economy has continued to affect struggling families.
"Right to work" laws are statutes that prohibit the use of union membership (or non-membership) as a condition for getting hired. In states without these laws, some jobs are not available to non-union workers as a condition of union contracts with employers.
What Are Arizona's Right To Work Laws?
Arizona is a "Right to Work" state. In plain English that means that if employees decide to form a union, you may not be fired if you decide not to join. Likewise, if you are a member of a union in Arizona, and you decide to resign from the union, you may not be fired for that reason.
What If I Work For The Federal Government?
All employees who work for the federal government, including Postal Service employees, by law are guaranteed the right to decline union membership. You cannot be required to pay dues or fees to a union, no matter where you work.
At-Will Employment
Regardless of your position on Right to Work laws, it is important to recognize that Arizona's Right to Work laws are not to be confused with the concept of at-will employment which means that employment is voluntary for both employees and employers.
The highlights of Arizona right to work laws are listed in the following chart. See FAQs About Union Members' Rights to learn more.
| Code Section | 23-1302, et seq.; Ariz. Const. Art. XXV |
| Policy on Union Membership, Organization, etc. | No person shall be denied opportunity to work because of nonmembership in a union. |
| Prohibited Activity | Threatened or actual interference with person, his family, or property to force him to join union, strike against his will, or leave job; conspiracy to induce persons to refuse to work with nonmembers; agreements which exclude person from employment because of nonmembership in union. |
| Penalties | Any act/agreement in violation of article is illegal and void; damages; injunctive relief. |
Arizona Employment Laws: Related Resources
Because employment laws in Arizona can sometimes get complicated, it may also be a good idea to consult an experienced employment law attorney in the state of Arizona if you have questions about your specific situation.
