Abstract
Right to work (RTW) laws have had growing labor market importance, as the proportion of Americans living in RTW states has
risen over time, mainly because of a large in-migration of labor and capital. In the 2000–2009 period alone, over 5 million
Americans moved into RTW states from non-RTW jurisdictions. This resource movement has led to greater output growth in RTW
states. Controlling for other factors, it appears RTW is positively associated with rising income per capita as well, and
arguably an improved quality of life if migration statistics are any indicator. The long term political equilibrium that has
led to little change over time in the adoption of RTW laws could end as pro-RTW forces gain political clout relative to their
union opponents.
risen over time, mainly because of a large in-migration of labor and capital. In the 2000–2009 period alone, over 5 million
Americans moved into RTW states from non-RTW jurisdictions. This resource movement has led to greater output growth in RTW
states. Controlling for other factors, it appears RTW is positively associated with rising income per capita as well, and
arguably an improved quality of life if migration statistics are any indicator. The long term political equilibrium that has
led to little change over time in the adoption of RTW laws could end as pro-RTW forces gain political clout relative to their
union opponents.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10672-011-9182-2
- Authors
- Richard Vedder, Department of Economics, Ohio University, Bentley Annex 316, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Journal Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-3378
- Print ISSN 0892-7545