This week, the Center for Union Facts joins with over 50 other non-profit organizations to promote National Employee Freedom Week (NEFW), a non-partisan, nationwide effort to ensure that workers know their right to opt out of union membership.

According to a nationwide survey of unionized employees, one-third of union household members would leave their union if given the option. Even unionized employees in labor-dominated states demonstrated the need for National Employee Freedom Week.

Employees in union households who would leave their union, if given the option:

* 27 percent of Pennsylvanians
* 28 percent of Michiganders
* 30 percent of Illinoisans
* 36 percent of Californians

Last year during NEFW the Nevada Policy Research Institute, a co-founder of NEFW, informed teachers in Clark County, Nevada that they could opt-out of their membership in the Clark County Education Association. As a result, over 800 teachers left their teachers union.

NEFW brings into focus the need for national labor law reform. Federal labor laws haven’t been amended since the 1950s. For instance, among its many provisions, the Employee Rights Act would prevent unions from surreptitiously funneling union dues into political campaigns.

Until Congress passes the ERA, every employee should know that when it comes to union membership, they have the freedom to decide for themselves.