The decline in union membership in the nation's private sector could be traced to the fact that Americans do not like to be told what to do. They resent pressure brought to bear in the union elections process. They resent the mandatory nature of membership itself. And they resent forced union dues when the money goes to political activities and causes with which they do not agree. The result:

• Twenty-one states have right-to-work laws.

• The number of manufacturing jobs in right-to-work states has grown by more than 77% between 1960 and 1993.

• Families in right-to-work states earn $2,852 more than those in non-right-to-work states.

• A 1993 study showed almost 80% of Americans opposed forced union dues or fees.