right-to-work

American  

[rahyt-tuh-wurk] / ˈraɪt təˈwɜrk /

adjective

1. being or relating to legislation that prohibits employers from forcing employees to join a union or pay dues to a union if they are not a member of that union.

   The organization spearheaded right-to-work campaigns and worked to pass anti-strike laws in four states.

   Organized labor activists made demands to repeal right-to-work laws.

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Etymology

Origin of right-to-work

First recorded in 1890–95, for an earlier sense; 1920–25, for the current sense

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

right-to-work

One issue on which she is so far holding the line is on repealing the state’s right-to-work law that lets workers choose whether or not to join a union.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 5, 2026

All riders, including substitutes, must complete right-to-work checks and there is daily identity verification and new checks on new devices, they said.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2025

A right-to-work status is not required to apply for this grant.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2025

The right-to-work group has been working with employees for decades to resist unionization, and legally support workers in various industries.

From Washington Times ● May 25, 2023

Edu no longer had his tourist visa and was in the process of securing approval for his right-to-work documentation when we spoke.

From Salon ● May 4, 2023