I am a union worker, I live in a Right to Work state. Though it is true I can refuse to pay union dues if I so choose. The Union can't stop me from working. However if all of the rank and file of the local union does not go along and refuse to pay union dues. Those that do refuse to pay will have their seniority rights frozen. What that will do is move you down the seniority roster. As each member younger than you comes up to your seniority date they will pass you. The net effect of this action will at some point keep you from working, because your seniority will not allow you to hold a job. You will find yourself on the layoff list as well if your seniority gets you close enough to the bottom of the seniority roster. I don't know of all labor contract situations, I do know that if you loose seniority in the union I am in you won't get it back. I don't suport card check and DON'T think unions are good for this country. I think if we as a nation don't start doing some things that suport business we are going to find ourselves without any jobs (union or otherwise).