Right-to-work states v. employment-at-will

We may read that a particular state is a "right-to-work state." We may also see "employment-at-will." What do these mean?

Right-to-work state: This means you cannont be denied the opportunity to obtain or keep a job based on union membership. That is, you do not have to join a union to be hired. Twenty-two states are "right-to-work" states. You can check out these states and what their laws say at the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, Inc. Web site. You can also see what your rights are if you are not in those states.

Employment-at-will state: This means that, in the absence of a contract, either the employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any tiem, with or without cause, and for any reason. An employer may not terminate an "at-will" employee for an unlawful reason such as discrimination. Every state is an "at-will" state, though state law variesand workers are protected in certain instances. Learn more about "at-will" employment at EmployeeIssues.com and at Nolo.com.

While an employer can let you go in a "employment-at-will state," you can also leave if you want without repercussion. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.