In the 1940s, many states enacted right-to-work laws prohibiting forced union membership and payment of forced union dues as a condition of employment. Specifically, these laws state that employment may not be denied on the basis of one's union membership. Several prominent figures throughout history have spoken out against right-to-work laws including the famed Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Is Montana A Right-To-Work State?
No, Montana is not a right-to-work state. Unlike the implications of the name, right-to-work laws give no right to employment. However, they do prohibit employers and unions from negotiating a contract that requires all employees to join a union after hiring or pay all or some portion of union dues that is used for bargaining and representation .
Right To Work Movement Across the United States
An increasing number of states has, however, enacted right-to-work laws. These states include (but are not limited to)Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Michigan. In these states, employees and prospective employees are not required to join a union or pay union dues in order to work at a company that has a collective bargaining agreement in place. Proponents of these laws argue that it's unfair to require union membership, that it should be voluntary, while opponents charge that right-to-work laws are intended to decrease union membership.
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relation Board's website offers detailed information about federal union laws and procedures. Regardless of whether a state has passed a right-to-work law, it is illegal for employers to threaten employees who express an interest in joining or forming a union or to promise certain benefits to those who refuse to join a union.
Although Montana has no statutory provisions related to right-to-work laws, the following links and resources should help you get acquainted with labor and employment laws in Montana and in general.
| Code Section | No statutory provision |
| Policy on Union Membership, Organization, etc. | N/A |
| Prohibited Activity | N/A |
| Penalties | N/A |
Note: State laws are always subject to change, usually through legislation, ballot initiative, or court ruling -- contact a Montana labor law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
Montana Right to Work Laws : Related Resources
