(The Center Square) – Louisiana ranks 9th among the 50 states in a new report measuring labor policy and worker freedom, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council.
The report evaluates how states prioritize labor flexibility and freedom through a combination of laws, employment data, and union activity.
ALEC’s publication assesses each state’s approach to issues like union influence, occupational licensing, and government employment.
Louisiana’s high ranking stems in part from three key laws and policies.
Louisiana has been a right to work state since 1976, prohibiting mandatory union membership or dues as a condition of employment. The policy guarantees the right to freely join or not join labor organizations without fear of penalty or retaliation.
According to a study by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy cited in the report, states with such laws experience faster wage growth and higher life satisfaction among workers.
Act 134 (2011) by Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Metairie, bans state and local governments from requiring project labor agreements or showing preference toward unionized contractors on publicly funded projects. The law is intended to ensure neutrality toward unions and promote competitive bidding.
It includes exceptions for voluntary agreements and workforce development programs and provides a legal mechanism for contractors to challenge violations.
The Occupational Board Compliance Act allows licensed professionals moving to Louisiana from another state to begin working without repeating costly and time-consuming licensing processes.
“In 2024, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Florida became the 24th, 25th, and 26th states to enact the policy, effectively hanging up the ‘welcome’ sign to skilled and experienced workers looking for a new state to call home,” the report wrote.
Despite the high overall ranking, the state’s labor market shows mixed signals. Over the past decade, Louisiana ranks 46th in private sector employment growth, with an average annual increase of just 0.10%. State and local government jobs make up 16.32% of employment, placing Louisiana 32nd in terms of government job prevalence.
Louisiana ranks 5th nationally with 35,280 public union members, and ninth in private sector union membership, with 40,730 members.
