NC Right to Work Amendment.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Ted Alexander and 22 co-sponsors

Enacts a constitutional right to work in NC, barring employment or wages being contingent on joining or funding a labor union, with implementation left to future general laws.

Amend Tabled A1

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Summary of SB 1082 (Session 2025, North Carolina) – NC Right to Work Amendment

Purpose and intent

Seeks to amend the North Carolina Constitution to enshrine a “right to work” for all residents.

Declares that the right to work is a fundamental right and should be protected from undue restraints and coercion.

Establishes a public policy that employment shall not be denied or abridged due to membership or nonmembership in any labor union or labor organization or association.

Key provisions

Constitutional amendment addition: Adds a new Section 39 to Article I of the North Carolina Constitution:

The right to work includes the right to work without being forced to join or pay dues to a labor union or similar association.
The General Assembly may enact general laws to define and implement this right.

Election and ratification process:

The amendment is put to a statewide referendum at the November 3, 2026 general election.
Ballot language proposed:
“FOR” or “AGAINST” a constitutional amendment to protect the right of North Carolinians to be employed without being forced to join and pay membership dues to a labor union or association.
The State Board of Elections will certify the referendum results.
If a majority votes in favor, the Secretary of State will enroll the amendment among permanent records; if not, the amendment is void.

Effective date:

If approved by voters, the amendment becomes effective upon certification of the election results.

Who/what is affected

Individuals in the workforce: The amendment would guarantee the right to work without mandating union membership or dues.

Labor unions and workers’ organizations: Potentially limits requirements that employees join or financially support unions as a condition of employment.

State governance: Requires any further details or implementations related to the right to work to be promulgated through general laws, as authorized by the General Assembly.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and filed May 14, 2026.

Scheduled to appear on the statewide general election ballot on November 3, 2026.

Requires certification by the State Board of Elections and enrollment by the Secretary of State if approved.

Becomes effective upon certification of the election results (i.e., once the amendment is certified as approved).

Notable considerations

The bill does not specify particular penalties or enforcement mechanisms within the amendment itself; it delegates to future general laws for implementation.

The text aligns with typical “right to work” constitutional amendment language that prohibits compulsory union membership or dues as a condition of employment.

As a constitutional amendment, it would require voter approval to take effect and would change the foundational legal framework governing employment and labor relations in North Carolina.