After 70 years, right-to-work impact still unclear

Indiana is expected to pass a right-to-work law soon but experts are still arguing over what the measure means for a state's economy. Since the 1940s, 22 states have passed laws barring unions from collecting mandatory dues from workers for labor representation. Supporters of the law say it helps create a pro-business climate that attracts employers and increases jobs. They cite a study showing that employment grew 100% in states with the law during a recent 30-year period, compared to only 57% in the states without right to work.

However, researchers note that those employment differences appeared to result mostly from the decline of American manufacturing. It's almost impossible to isolate the effects of the right-to-work law on a state's economy, many experts have concluded.

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