Right to Work in Idaho

There is always some talk in Idaho about how horrible it is that we are a Right to Work state. My uncle is a proud Union member and my father and he have some great debates about this subject. While I realize that Unions helped shape the good working standards we have in this country, I don't think anyone should be forced into a Union. Here are some basic stats about unemployment that might let people know that Right to Work is not all that bad.

The following is taken from a U.S. Department of Labor report (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/laus_10202006.pdf). The unemployment rates shown are only those that are significantly different from the national average.

Unemployment Rates

United States 4.6%

Right to Work States (that are significantly different than the national average)
Idaho 3.3%
Utah 2.8%
Nevada 4.0%
Wyoming 3.6%
Alabama 3.3%
Florida 3.2%
Arizona 3.7%
Iowa 3.4%
North Dakota 3.1%
Mississippi 7.2%
Virginia 3.2%
South Carolina 6.4%
South Dakota 3.2%
Nebraska 3.1%
Average 3.5%

Forced-Unionism States (that are significantly different than the national average)
Oregon 5.4%
New Hampshire 3.2%
Michigan 7.1%
Minnesota 3.8%
Washington 5.3%
Montana 3.6%
Minnesota 3.8%
Alaska 6.6%
Ohio 5.3%
Vermont 3.7%
Hawaii 2.5%
D.C. 5.9%
Delaware 3.7%
Average 4.6%

It seems that there is a correlation between Forced-Unionism States and higher unemployment rates. I am grateful to live in Idaho and believe that it will continue to be a great place to live as long as people think resonably about the causes they support. There is a wealth of information out there. Before you jump on a bandwagon, please do some research.

Just my quick take on Right to Work in Idaho.