The New York Legislature took action at the end of the 2023 session to prohibit mandatory employer meetings on “religious or political matters,” passing Senate Bill S4982 / Assembly Bill 6604 on June 10. If signed into law, the bill would create a right for employees to refuse to attend employer-sponsored events and to refuse to listen to communications regarding the employer’s opinion on religious or political matters. The bill was backed by labor unions seeking to limit employers’ right to hold such meetings during union election campaigns. The same groups are now urging Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law.
“Religious Matters” Defined
The bill defines religious matters as “matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association.”
“Political Matters” Defined
The bill defines political matters as “matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulation and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization.” This expansive definition would cover a wide range of employer speech, severely restricting employers’ ability to communicate with their workforce.
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