Room for Debate: What Happens as More States Curtail Labor's Rights?

Richard Vedder, Economics professor

Capital moves to right-to-work states with a more stable labor environment, and that increases labor demand and, ultimately, income and wages.

Elise Gould, Economic Policy Institute

Unions bargain for better wages and benefits, and workers in "right-to-work" states have lower wages and fewer benefits.

Scott Manley, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

Business leaders say that they look for "right to work" states when they're seeking a place to locate or expand.

George Gresham, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Its aim is to deprive unions of dues money essential to their ability to represent workers and enforce contracts.

Barry Hirsch, economics professor

It can strengthen unions by forcing them to be responsive to workers. And they might not encourage growth as much as supporters say.