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Concord, NH – A deeply divided New Hampshire House committee has advanced House Bill 238-FN, a proposed Right-to-Work law that would prohibit collective bargaining agreements from requiring employees to join or contribute to a labor union. The bill, backed by House Republicans, passed the House Labor, Industrial, and Rehabilitative Services Committee by a narrow 10-9 vote and will now head to the full House for debate.
Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller (R-Windham) and several other Republican lawmakers, HB 238-FN—also referred to as The New Hampshire Right to Work Act—would establish RSA 273-E, which:
Prohibits employers and unions from requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment
Makes violations a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail
Provides employees with the right to seek damages and injunctive relief if they are forced to pay union fees
Exempts federal employers, federal enclaves, and existing contracts until they are renewed or extended
Supporters argue the measure will strengthen worker freedom and attract businesses, while opponents warn it will weaken collective bargaining and harm workers.
Supporters Say the Bill Promotes Economic Freedom
Advocates of HB 238 argue that workers should not be forced to financially support unions against their will. Popovici-Muller said the legislation would not ban unions but instead require them to compete for members by offering better benefits and representation.
"No employee should ever feel coerced to join or pay into a union or organization which they do not feel has their best interest in mind,” said Popovici-Muller. “HB 238 would end compulsory union dues as a condition of employment. This bill does not ban or prohibit unionization—quality comes from choice.”
Several business organizations and taxpayer advocacy groups have endorsed the bill. Granite State Taxpayers, a pro-business organization, argued that Right-to-Work laws increase job opportunities and economic growth. Board member Ray Chadwick testified in favor of the bill, citing data from the National Institute for Labor Relations Research, which found:
Employment growth in Right-to-Work states outpaces union-mandated states (16% vs. 8.3% from 2013–2023)
Manufacturing job growth is higher in Right-to-Work states (12.3% vs. 2.5%)
Cost-of-living-adjusted disposable income is higher in Right-to-Work states ($59,329 vs. $56,525)
Joshua Reap, CEO of the Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT, also testified in support, arguing that the bill would modernize workplace regulations and make New Hampshire more attractive to businesses.
"No one should be compelled to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. This bill safeguards both the right to join a union and the right to opt out,” Reap said. “This is about personal liberty and economic choice.”
Opponents Warn of Weakened Worker Protections
Unions and many Democratic lawmakers strongly oppose HB 238, arguing that it is an attempt to undermine organized labor and reduce worker bargaining power.
Rep. Timothy Horrigan (D-Strafford 10) testified against the bill, arguing that the term Right-to-Work is misleading.
"Work is a privilege, not a right," Horrigan stated. "Employers set the terms of employment, and unions exist because workers have fought for better wages and conditions. If a worker doesn’t want to be in a union, there are non-union jobs available."
Critics also challenge claims that Right-to-Work laws lead to economic growth, noting that states with such laws often have lower wages and weaker job protections. Rachael Bauer of Plymouth, NH, summed up the opposition:
"Right to Work is bad news for union workers."
Opponents also point to corporate influence in pushing for Right-to-Work laws, citing the long history of business-backed efforts to weaken union power.
What’s Next?
With the bill advancing to the full New Hampshire House of Representatives, both sides are preparing for a fierce debate. Past attempts to pass similar legislation in New Hampshire have failed, but Republican supporters believe momentum is on their side.
If passed, New Hampshire would become the only Right-to-Work state in the Northeast, setting it apart from neighboring union-friendly states like Massachusetts and Vermont.
As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming floor vote, the battle over HB 238 will likely become one of the most contentious labor issues of the legislative session.
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