Report on the Intersection of Right-to-Work Legislation and Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report examines the principles and impacts of “right-to-work” legislation through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Analyzing the case of North Carolina’s labor laws, this report highlights the connection between such policies and the advancement of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The legislation is presented as a mechanism to protect individual worker freedoms, foster economic growth, and ensure institutional accountability, which are core tenets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1.0 Legal Frameworks and Alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The foundation of right-to-work laws is rooted in providing legal protection for individual workers, a key component of SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. An incident involving truck driver Josh Hammaker, who filed federal charges against a union for alleged coercion, illustrates the type of conflict these laws aim to prevent.

1.1 North Carolina’s Statutory Protections

North Carolina’s legal framework explicitly addresses this issue, aligning with SDG 16’s target for promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice.

• Chapter 95-78 of the General Statutes: Declares that the right to work shall not be denied or abridged based on membership or nonmembership in a labor union. This statute directly supports the creation of just and strong institutions by preventing coercive employment practices.
• Statute 95-83: Provides a legal remedy for individuals who have been denied employment in violation of these principles, allowing them to recover damages. This reinforces access to justice for all, a cornerstone of SDG 16.

1.2 Historical Context and Institutional Development

The passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935 was intended to correct power imbalances but led to concerns about union overreach. In response, states like North Carolina enacted right-to-work laws in 1947 to safeguard fundamental freedoms, specifically the freedom of association, which is integral to the vision of SDG 16.

2.0 Contribution to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Right-to-work laws are argued to have a direct and positive impact on achieving SDG 8, which seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Proponents point to superior economic performance in the 26 states with such laws.

2.1 Key Economic Performance Indicators (2012-2022)

Comparative data suggests that right-to-work states demonstrate stronger progress toward SDG 8 targets:

1. Employment Growth: Private-sector employment in right-to-work states increased by 28.6%, nearly 11% higher than in non-right-to-work states.
2. Income Growth: Personal income grew by 39% in right-to-work states, compared to 26% in states without these laws. This directly contributes to SDG 8’s goal of achieving higher levels of economic productivity.
3. Productivity and Job Creation: These states also report higher output-per-person (9% higher) and lower unemployment rates (0.6% lower), indicating progress toward full and productive employment.

3.0 Advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and Freedom of Choice

The core principle of right-to-work legislation—ensuring employment opportunities are not contingent on union affiliation—directly supports SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries by ensuring equal opportunity.

3.1 Upholding Fundamental Freedoms

The primary benefit cited is the protection of a worker’s freedom of association. This framework ensures that:

• Workers can seek employment without being compelled to join a union or pay dues for political or social causes they do not support.
• Workers who wish to join a union remain free to do so.

By removing a potential barrier to employment, these laws promote a more inclusive labor market, aligning with the goal of reducing inequalities and ensuring that economic progress benefits all members of society.

4.0 Conclusion

Right-to-work legislation represents a significant policy approach with demonstrable connections to the Sustainable Development Goals. By legally protecting a worker’s freedom from coercion, these laws strengthen institutional justice (SDG 16). Furthermore, the reported economic advantages in job creation and income growth align directly with the objectives of promoting decent work and sustained economic growth (SDG 8). Finally, by ensuring that union membership is a choice rather than a condition of employment, these policies contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting equal opportunity for all (SDG 10).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text centers on labor rights, specifically the “right to work,” freedom of association regarding union membership, and the economic impacts of these policies. It discusses job growth, private-sector employment, personal income, and unemployment rates, all of which are core components of SDG 8.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article heavily references legal frameworks and the rule of law. It details specific legislation, such as North Carolina’s right-to-work laws (Chapter 95-78 and 95-83) and the federal National Labor Relations Act. The case of Josh Hammaker filing federal charges and the provision for workers to recover damages in court highlight the themes of access to justice and the role of strong institutions in protecting individual rights.

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  While not a central theme, SDG 1 is relevant through the article’s discussion of economic outcomes. The claim that right-to-work states have significantly higher personal income growth (39% vs. 26%) directly relates to improving economic well-being and, by extension, reducing poverty.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

   The article directly addresses this target by comparing employment statistics between right-to-work and non-right-to-work states. It cites data showing that right-to-work states have higher job growth, a greater increase in private-sector employment, and lower unemployment rates, all of which are measures of progress toward full and productive employment.

2. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

   This target is central to the article’s main argument. The entire piece is framed around the protection of a specific labor right: the freedom of association, which includes the right to work without being coerced into joining a union. The story of Josh Hammaker, who was allegedly threatened with termination for not joining a union, and the North Carolina law that makes such coercion illegal, are direct examples related to this target.

3. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article demonstrates this target by citing specific laws that protect workers. North Carolina General Statute 95-83 is explicitly mentioned as a mechanism that provides workers with legal recourse (“entitled to recover from such employer… such damages as he may have sustained”) if their right to work is violated, thus ensuring access to justice.

4. Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The North Carolina law quoted in the article is presented as a non-discriminatory policy. It states that “the right of persons to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or nonmembership in any labor union,” which is a clear example of a law designed to prevent discrimination based on union affiliation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Increase in private-sector employment: The article states that between 2012 and 2022, right-to-work states “enjoyed a 28.6% increase in private-sector employment, almost 11% more than non-right-to-work states.” This is a direct quantitative indicator for Target 8.5.
• Personal income growth: The article provides the statistic that right-to-work states have “higher personal income growths, 39% in states with the laws versus 26% in those without.” This indicator measures economic well-being, relevant to SDG 1 and SDG 8.
• Unemployment rate: A specific metric is given, noting that right-to-work states have “unemployment rates .6% lower” than non-right-to-work states. This is a classic indicator for Target 8.5.
• Existence and enforcement of protective legislation: The article explicitly cites “Chapter 95-78” and “Statute 95-83” of the North Carolina General Statutes. The existence of such laws serves as an indicator for the protection of labor rights (Target 8.8) and the promotion of the rule of law (Target 16.3).
• Number of legal charges filed for coercion: The case of “Josh Hammaker [who] filed federal charges against his local Teamsters union” implies that the frequency of such legal actions can be an indicator of disputes related to freedom of association and access to justice (Targets 8.8 and 16.3).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: carolinajournal.com