State Bill of the Month – October 2024: New Hampshire SB516

Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire State Senator Bill Gannon (R-23)

SB516:

Introduced by New Hampshire State Sen. Bill Gannon (R-23), this bill, would ensure that workers in New Hampshire would not be forced to join a labor union under a collective bargaining agreement. This will maximize individual freedom of choice in the pursuit of gainful employment and create a business climate that is beneficial to economic advancement. This bill will allow workers to make the best employment decisions for themselves.

The bill, which was introduced earlier in the year, and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee, would effectively prevent the creation of collective bargaining agreements that force workers to join a labor union. Oftentimes, these agreements force workers to turn over sensitive personal information and pay burdensome dues. The notion that collective bargaining agreements are always in the best interests of employees is false. They only serve to fill union coffers. Further, unions have enjoyed regulations that give them an inordinate amount of power for quite some time.

Background:

According to TPA President David Williams:

“Collective bargaining restricts free labor markets, lowers per capita income and reduces individual freedoms.”

The first, best option to ensure worker freedom is to eliminate laws that favor labor unions and allow them to wield this abusive power. Unfortunately, labor unions do have this power today. The next best option is to pass a right-to-work law that levels the playing field.

Right-to-work states lead other states in stimulating economic growth and more worker freedom. They also foster more investment in capital and more interstate migration as workers recognize the greater economic opportunity in freer states.

Unfortunately for New Hampshire residents, SB516 was unable to pass before an “ought to pass” motion could be completed. TPA is hopeful that a bill similar to SB516 will be introduced in 2025 and will have more success with the legislators of the Granite State. Putting power in the hands of New Hampshire’s workers, rather than labor union bosses is essential.

It is for these reasons, among others, that TPA is pleased to make SB516, as introduced by State Sen. Bill Gannon (R-23), its Bill of the Month for October 2024.