Nationwide Right to Unionize Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 4, 2025
Bottom line
This bill would eliminate state right-to-work laws, allowing employers and unions to negotiate agreements requiring union membership or fee payment as a condition of employment across all states.
What it actually does
This bill proposes to repeal subsection (b) of section 14 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which currently grants states the authority to enact 'right-to-work' laws. By removing this federal authorization, the bill would effectively invalidate existing state right-to-work laws and prevent new ones, thereby allowing employers and labor organizations nationwide to negotiate and enforce agreements requiring union membership or the payment of union fees as a condition of employment.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that repealing Section 14(b) would strengthen labor unions by eliminating 'free riders'—workers who benefit from collective bargaining agreements without contributing financially to the union's efforts. They contend this change would enhance workers' collective bargaining power, lead to higher wages and better benefits, and promote greater economic equality by leveling the playing field between labor and management.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill would infringe upon individual workers' freedom of association by forcing them to join or financially support a union against their will as a condition of employment. They argue that 'right-to-work' laws protect individual liberty, foster economic growth by attracting businesses seeking lower labor costs, and prevent potential union corruption or overreach by ensuring accountability to voluntary members.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its direct legislative action. However, understanding its full implications requires significant background knowledge of labor law and economic policy.
Section 2
Repeal of National Labor Relations Act Section 14(b)
This section directly repeals subsection (b) of section 14 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Currently, NLRA Section 14(b) allows individual states to pass laws that prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment, commonly known as 'right-to-work' laws. By repealing this subsection, the bill would remove the federal statutory basis for these state laws, making union security agreements (such as union shops where employees must join the union or pay fees) permissible and enforceable nationwide, overriding any conflicting state statutes.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this repeal is essential to eliminate 'free riders' who benefit from union-negotiated wages and benefits without contributing to the union's costs. They contend it would strengthen unions' financial stability and bargaining power, leading to better outcomes for all workers and reducing wage inequality.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that repealing Section 14(b) would force workers to join or pay fees to a union against their will, infringing on individual liberty and freedom of association. They claim it could deter businesses from investing in states where union membership can be mandated, potentially harming economic growth and job creation.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the fundamental tension between individual worker autonomy (the right not to join a union) and the collective power and financial stability of labor organizations (the ability to require all beneficiaries to contribute). It also represents a federal preemption of state authority in labor relations.