An agreement, now largely illegal in the United States, between an employer and an employee stipulates that the employee will not join or remain a member of a labor union as a condition of employment. These agreements were once a common tactic used by employers to prevent unionization within their workplaces. The contracts aimed to undermine collective bargaining power by prohibiting workers from associating with unions, thereby limiting the ability of employees to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The use of such agreements had a significant impact on the labor movement in the early 20th century. They served as a major obstacle to union organizing efforts and contributed to a power imbalance between employers and employees. Courts initially upheld the enforceability of these contracts, further hindering the growth of organized labor. Over time, however, growing concerns about worker rights and the recognition of the importance of collective bargaining led to legislative efforts to curtail their use. Legal challenges and shifts in public opinion ultimately deemed these agreements contrary to public policy.
