{"id":375318,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-right-to-work-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-08-04T16:11:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:11:25","slug":"new-york-right-to-work-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-right-to-work-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New York Right-To-Work Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New York Right-To-Work Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

New York is not a right-to-work state<\/span>, meaning private-sector employers may require employees to pay union dues<\/span> or fees. In general, they can\u2019t require full union membership<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Right-to-work laws<\/span> protect workers from being forced to join a union, pay union dues<\/span>, or participate in union strikes. These laws prevent employers from discriminating against workers who join (or refuse to join) a labor union.<\/p>\n

As of 2026, there are 26 right-to-work states<\/span> with laws that prohibit employers from pressuring their employees to join a union. New York is not one of these states. While employers in New York City<\/span> and New York State<\/span> can\u2019t outright discriminate against workers based on their union affiliation, there are no state laws<\/span> prohibiting private employers from forcing a worker to pay union dues<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article explains how right-to-work laws<\/span> work and their impact on private and public employees. It also examines New York\u2019s <\/span>labor laws<\/span> and how they address union membership<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you believe your employer has discriminated against you based on your refusal to join a union, consider contacting a New York employment law<\/span> attorney<\/a>. Having legal counsel can prove wise if an employer retaliates against you.<\/p>\n

What Are \u201cRight-To-Work\u201d Laws?<\/h2>\n

Right-to-work laws<\/span> are statutes that prevent employers from forcing their workers to join a union or pay union dues<\/span> as a condition of employment<\/span>. They also offer workers protections<\/span> beyond union membership<\/span> and paying dues.<\/p>\n

Right-to-work laws<\/span> protect employees from the following:<\/p>\n