The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, is urging New Hampshire House legislators to pass Senate Bill 61, a bill establishing New Hampshire as a “Right to Work” state, when they convene on Thursday and Friday.

Right to Work means no individual can be compelled to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The Senate has already passed the bill and a majority of House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services committee members are recommending the bill pass in amended form. New Hampshire would become the only Right to Work state in the Northeast U.S.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for New Hampshire to separate itself from every other state in the Northeast,” said BIA President Jim Roche. “Passing this bill puts New Hampshire back on the map for employers in-state and around the country who will only consider expanding or locating in Right to Work states. Public sector employees already enjoy Right to Work protections. The time is right for private sector employees to enjoy these same freedoms.”

BIA believes Right to Work is a fairness and freedom issue. Employees shouldn’t be forced to join or financially support a union against their will as a condition of employment. BIA points out that despite its work and the work of local chambers of commerce and trade associations that benefit employers across the state, businesses cannot be forced to become dues-paying members.

“We must prove our value every day. Why aren’t unions held to the same standard?” Roche said.

Twenty-seven (27) states around the country have passed Right to Work legislation. Becoming a Right to Work state is something New Hampshire can do today at no cost to taxpayers.

“As Samuel Gompers, founder of the American Federation of Labor once said, ‘No lasting gain ever came from compulsion.’ He was right,” Roche concluded.

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