Assembly Passes Bill to Prohibit "Captive Audience Meetings" at Workplaces

Legislation would protect workers' rights and restrict mandatory meetings held by employers on political matters and labor organizations 

Legislation that would prohibit employers from holding mandatory "captive audience" meetings with employees regarding political matters or labor organizations cleared the Assembly. Bill A4429, sponsored by Assemblymen Anthony Verrelli and Wayne DeAngelo, would bar employers from requiring attendance at meetings that have been demonstrated to intimidate and interfere with workers exercising their rights. 

“This bill is about protecting workers' rights," said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-Hunterdon and Mercer), Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee. “Whether it's how they're going to vote in an election or if they want to join or participate in a union, they must be allowed the freedom to make their own decisions, free from intimidation in the workplace.”

A4429 advanced through committee and today's floor vote with bipartisan support. If signed into law, this legislation would expand the legal protection against mandatory meetings, which currently covers religious and political matters, to include topics concerning participation in labor organizations. New Jersey would become the 10th state to ban "captive audience meetings" under such circumstances. 

"I was proud to sponsor this legislation because every New Jersey worker should be free to exercise their rights and every employer should respect those rights," said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer and Middlesex).