The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, testified today before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of Senate Bill 61, a bill establishing New Hampshire as a “Right to Work” state, and making it the only “Right to Work” state in the Northeast U.S. “Right to Work” means no employee is compelled to join or support a union as a condition of employment.

“This is an extraordinary economic development opportunity for New Hampshire to separate itself from every other state in the Northeast,” said David Juvet, senior vice president of public policy for the business association. “Passing this bill puts New Hampshire on the map for employers around the country who will only consider locating or expanding in ‘Right to Work’ states,” Juvet added.

“At heart ‘Right to Work’ is a fairness and freedom issue. Employees who object to a union or disagree with being unionized shouldn’t be forced to join and pay, against their will, to accept employment. Business groups like BIA, local chambers of commerce, and trade associations can’t force businesses to become our members, despite our good work that benefits employers well beyond our respective memberships. We must prove our value every day. Why aren’t unions held to the same standard?” Juvet said.

Twenty-eight (28) states around the country have passed “Right to Work” legislation. “Without SB 61 on the books, New Hampshire isn’t even on the radar for companies who will only locate or grow in ‘Right to Work’ states. This is something that New Hampshire can do right now, today, to give our state an economic shot in the arm, all at no cost to the state.” Juvet concluded.

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