ABSTRACT
While feelings run strong on both sides of the issue throughout the country, sentiment in favor of the Right-to-Work principle seems strongest in southern and midwestern states, while opposition is most prevalent in other areas of the country. Labor unions and others who oppose the Right-to-Work notion contend that since unions are legally required to represent all bargaining unit employees in the collective bargaining process and considerable costs are entailed in providing such representation, it is only fair that every employee enjoying the benefits of representation should pay his fair share. Since controversy over Right-to-Work laws has been so persistent and widespread, research examining attitudes concerning the matter would appear inevitable. In surveying managers, Industry Week concluded that managers feel Right-to-Work laws lessen the control union leaders have on the workforce, which can indirectly benefit management. Considering the emotion-laden, controversial nature of Right-to-Work issue that spawned this research, it seems prudent to put this investigation and its findings in perspective.
