An increasing number of states have passed laws prohibiting unions and employers from requiring union membership or payment of monthly dues as a condition of employment at a company with organized labor. Coined "right to work" laws by those who introduce such legislation and their supporters, these laws technically prohibit the enforcement of security agreements, which often require non-union members to pay monthly dues to cover the expenses of representation. Since even non-union employees at unionized workplaces still have access to the same wages and benefits as union members, these agreements are meant to ensure that unions can afford to operate. Even in states without these laws, federal law prohibits any "forced" union membership.
States with "right to work" laws typically use a variation of the following language in their statutes: "No person shall be denied employment on account of membership or non-membership in a labor union." But it's important to remember that what these laws actually do is prohibit the requirement to pay monthly dues.
These highly divisive laws generally pit labor interests against management. Supporters argue that no one should be required to pay dues that often end up being contributed to political campaigns. Opponents of "right to work" laws counter that these laws are only meant to defund and destroy unions.
Right to Work Law in New Hampshire: The Basics
The state of New Hampshire does not have any laws prohibiting security agreements between unions and employers, commonly called "right to work" laws. However, there have been several attempts to pass one, and the law may change at any time.
| Code Section | No statutory provisions |
| Policy on Union Membership, Organization, etc. | - |
| Prohibited Activity | - |
| Penalties | - |
See FindLaw's Unions section for additional articles and resources.
Note: State laws may change at any time through the decisions of higher courts (both state and federal), the enactment of newly signed legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you may also want to contact a New Hampshire employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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New Hampshire Right to Work Laws: Related Resources
