Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Montana Right to Work Laws

In the 1940s, many states enacted right-to-work laws prohibiting forced union membership and payment of forced union dues as a condition of employment. Specifically, these laws state that employment may not be denied on the basis of one's union membership. Several prominent figures throughout history have spoken out against right-to-work laws including the famed Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Is Montana A Right-To-Work State?

No, Montana is not a right-to-work state. Unlike the implications of the name, right-to-work laws give no right to employment. However, they do prohibit employers and unions from negotiating a contract that requires all employees to join a union after hiring or pay all or some portion of union dues that is used for bargaining and representation .

Right To Work Movement Across the United States

An increasing number of states has, however, enacted right-to-work laws. These states include (but are not limited to)Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Michigan. In these states, employees and prospective employees are not required to join a union or pay union dues in order to work at a company that has a collective bargaining agreement in place. Proponents of these laws argue that it's unfair to require union membership, that it should be voluntary, while opponents charge that right-to-work laws are intended to decrease union membership.

National Labor Relations Board

The National Labor Relation Board's website offers detailed information about federal union laws and procedures. Regardless of whether a state has passed a right-to-work law, it is illegal for employers to threaten employees who express an interest in joining or forming a union or to promise certain benefits to those who refuse to join a union.

Although Montana has no statutory provisions related to right-to-work laws, the following links and resources should help you get acquainted with labor and employment laws in Montana and in general.

Code Section No statutory provision
Policy on Union Membership, Organization, etc.

N/A

Prohibited Activity N/A
Penalties N/A

Note: State laws are always subject to change, usually through legislation, ballot initiative, or court ruling -- contact a Montana labor law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law:

Montana Right to Work Laws : Related Resources

Was this helpful?

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney

Contact a qualified attorney.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options