As we approach Labor Day, we salute the American worker: the men and women who serve as the backbone of our economy. Without their hard work and resilience, we could not enjoy the quality of life we have in America today.

However, Tennesseans have even more to celebrate: Tennessee's commitment to safeguarding worker freedom as one of 26 states with a Right to Work law: a commonsense protection for the workers we celebrate on Labor Day.

Under Right to Work, employees cannot be forced to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. The decision of union membership and financial support is left right where it belongs: with each individual worker.

Of course, in Tennessee unions are still free to persuade employees to join their ranks voluntarily. But unlike states without Right to Work protections, union bosses in Tennessee cannot threaten workers with termination if they don't join or pay union fees.

Over the last three decades, polls demonstrate that roughly 80% of Americans believe it's wrong to force workers to join a union and pay union fees. Further, according to a recent RMG Research poll, 79% of current union members — who have firsthand experience dealing with union officials — agree that union membership and dues payments should be voluntary.

When union dues are forced, union bosses can ignore workers' needs and interests with impunity. Knowing workers are required to pay dues or be fired, leaders often use these funds for their own personal gain and...

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