On March 20, 2025, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation dropped a press release that’s making waves—and for good reason. Renee Guerrero, a foodservice worker at Levy Restaurants in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, has filed federal charges against the Culinary Workers Union and her employer. Her claim? They illegally deducted full union dues from her paycheck, even after she made it crystal clear she didn’t want to join the union or pay up.

This isn’t just one worker’s battle—it’s a wake-up call for every Nevadan about the strength of our state’s Right to Work laws and the precedent this case could set. 

Why This Hits Home for Nevadans 

Nevada’s Right to Work law isn’t just legalese—it’s a promise. It guarantees that no one can be forced to join a union or fork over dues just to keep their job. For a state built on grit, independence, and opportunity, this protection is a lifeline. It lets workers like Guerrero decide for themselves whether a union aligns with their values, without having their wallets strong-armed.

But if her allegations are true, the Culinary Workers Union and Levy Restaurants crossed a line. They didn’t just take her money—they took her choice. And that’s a problem that could affect every worker from Reno to Henderson. 

The Stakes Are High 

Guerrero’s case shines a spotlight on what happens when unions and employers ignore the rules. If they can brush off an employee’s “no” and dip into her paycheck anyway, it’s not just a personal violation—it’s a crack in the foundation of Nevada’s worker freedoms.

Picture this: a precedent where unions can pressure workers into compliance, where employers turn a blind eye because it’s easier than standing up for what’s right. That’s not a hypothetical—it’s a real risk if this kind of overreach goes unchecked. 

And if unions can infringe on Right to Work protections without consequence? The fallout could be brutal. Workers might face a chilling effect—afraid to opt out of union membership because they’ll be targeted or penalized. Paychecks could shrink as dues get siphoned off, leaving less for rent, groceries, or savings.

For Nevada’s economy, it’s a gut punch too—businesses thrive here partly because of our flexible labor market. Erode that, and we could see jobs drift elsewhere, leaving workers and families in the lurch. 

What’s at Risk—and What We Can Do 

Guerrero’s fight isn’t just about her $50 dues deduction; it’s about the principle that every Nevadan deserves a say in their financial future. If unions and employers can steamroll Right to Work laws, we’re not just losing a legal safeguard—we’re losing a piece of what makes Nevada, Nevada. This case could set a tone for years to come, either reinforcing our state’s commitment to individual liberty or letting it slip through our fingers. 

Want to dig deeper into how this impacts you and what’s next for Guerrero’s case? Head over to our partner’s site at National Right to Work to read the full story. Let’s stay informed—and keep fighting for the freedoms that define us.