Virginia is known as a “right-to-work” state. This is a key feature of Virginia’s economic competitiveness.
Ed Gillespie is a strong supporter of Virginia’s right-to-work laws. Unfortunately for Virginia, Democrat candidates for governor Tom Perriello and Ralph Northam have put into question the future of right-to-work in the Commonwealth.
“Right-to-work” means that an individual cannot be compelled to join a union as a condition to get or keep a job or be required to pay for any part of the cost of union representation.
Virginia’s right-to-work laws have been on the books since 1947 – celebrating 70 years this year. Virginia is currently the northernmost right-to-work state on the east coast.
Right-to-work laws are major contributing factors for businesses considering expansion or relocation. In fact, our right-to-work laws are considered in annual business rankings of the best states in which to do business.
CNBC ranks the “Best States for Business” and recently ranked Virginia # 13 – down from #1 just six years ago. CNBC considers right-to-work laws when ranking states, saying:
“We also consider union membership and the states’ right-to-work laws. While organized labor contends that a union workforce is a quality workforce, that argument, more often than not, does not resonate with business. “
Even our Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe supports our right-to-work laws, saying:
“We are a great right-to-work state,” he said. “We should never change that. It helps us do what we need to do to grow our businesses here in Virginia.”
And, Governor McAuliffe’s economic development agency – the Virginia Economic Development Partnership – advertises Virginia’s right-to-work status on its website:
Right-to-work, without question, is important for Virginia’s economy.
As governor, Ed Gillespie will defend Virginia’s right-to-work laws.