Bill would eliminate state right-to-work laws, mandate union membership nationwide
H.R. 5159 — Nationwide Right to Unionize Act · Filed by Brad Sherman (D-CA) · 17 cosponsors · Introduced Sep 4, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill repeals the federal provision that allows states to pass 'right-to-work' laws—statutes that let workers opt out of union membership even when a union represents their workplace. Repealing this provision would eliminate states' authority to enact such laws, effectively nationalizing union-security agreements and requiring workers in unionized workplaces to join or pay union dues as a condition of employment.
Why we flagged it
The bill's operative mechanism is a straightforward repeal of a federal statute that delegates authority to states. It is a preemption measure—removing state discretion and imposing a uniform national rule on union-security agreements. The title accurately describes the functional effect.
What the text implies
- Repealing 14(b) would reverse 70+ years of state-level right-to-work policy in 27 states; workers in those states would face a sudden shift from opt-in to mandatory union membership or dues payment.
- The bill does not address transition mechanisms, grandfather clauses, or existing non-union workers in right-to-work states—implementation could create significant labor-relations friction.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
labor unions (increased membership and dues revenue); unionized workers (stronger bargaining position and union representation)