New Jersey enacted a law addressing mandatory meetings about political, religious, and union-related subjects, giving workers additional protection when they decline to attend.
What the law addresses
Mandatory meetings concerning political, religious, or union activity have often been described as captive-audience meetings. They have frequently appeared during union-organizing campaigns.
- Employees may decline to attend covered meetings.
- Employers may not use mandatory meetings to discourage protected organizing activity.
- The law includes protection against retaliation for exercising these rights.
If retaliation occurs
- Record the date, time, participants, and details of the meeting or retaliatory action.
- Keep copies of notices, emails, and other communications.
- Speak with a union representative when applicable.
- Seek advice promptly because filing deadlines can be short.