In states that have laws restricting workers' rights to form strong unions, the average pay for all workers is lower. So-called "right to work" for less laws that limit workers' rights to collectively bargain contracts (including wages and benefits) are a bad deal for all workers. In 2006, average pay in so-called "right to work" states was 13.1 percent lower than in states where workers have the freedom to form strong unions.

Percentage of Workers in Unions, 2007

Annual Average Pay, 2006

Note: "Right to work" states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Includes workers covered by unemployment insurance and Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) programs; U.S. Census Bureau.  Prepared by the AFL-CIO.