Erica Muse

This is all based on current policies in place. Unions fight for better wages and treatment for workers. Right-to-work states do adversely affect unions and their goals. Because of this, many also refer to them as “right-to-work-for-less” states.

In right-to-work states, employers cannot require employees to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment. This also means a company or production based, operating, or filming in a right-to-work state cannot exclusively audition union actors, as actors, like other employees, have the right to choose whether or not to be union members.

SAG-AFTRA acknowledges the legal restrictions in right-to-work states. This means you cannot be required to join if you are working, or the work was performed in, a right-to-work state. Even if you would otherwise be a “must-join”.

Non-right-to-work states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Right-to-work states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

I am currently based in Texas, but would still love to join the union. This is in support of what they stand for and the resources they provide talent. Even if you do not qualify for health benefits and the like, you have access to invaluable advice, workshops, and resources. Many talent in right-to-work states are unaware of everything they gain by joining the union. Review your options here, and contact your local SAG-AFTRA reps for advice.