Index
Employment & LaborArkansas, USA

Arkansas Right to Work Law

Summary

Arkansas enshrined its 'Right to Work' status directly into the state constitution back in 1944. It is illegal to force any worker to join a union to keep their job.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    No person can be denied employment because they belong to a union, AND no person can be denied employment because they refuse to join a union.
  • 02.
    It is illegal for an employer to sign a contract with a union that requires employees to pay union dues or agency fees.
  • 03.
    If you work in a unionized factory in Arkansas but don't want to join the union, the union is still legally required to negotiate your wages and defend you in grievances, even though you pay them nothing.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Contracts requiring union membership are null and void. Any person or corporation violating this constitutional amendment commits a misdemeanor.

Verified Citations

Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 34

Source
"No person shall be denied employment because of membership in or affiliation with or resignation from a labor union, or because of refusal to join or affiliate with a labor union; nor shall any corporation or individual or association of any kind enter into any contract... to exclude from employment members of a labor union, or persons who refuse to join a labor union..."