Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law A4429 (Verrelli)/S3302 (Lagana), which expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend to or listen to communications related to political or religious matters. The New Jersey State Bar Association signaled concerns with the original bill because of the broader implications of the bill which would have placed restrictions on employers to communicate relevant information regarding business operations. The bill was later amended to clarify the definition of political matters and exemptions regarding certain communications and meetings.
“This law protects a basic freedom: the right to do your job without intimidation, coercion, or fear of retaliation,” said Sen. Vin Gopal, co-prime sponsor of the bill. It ensures that no one is pressured into political, religious, or other deeply personal conversations in order to keep their job and reinforce that workplace rights should never depend on personal beliefs or views.”
The law prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings or participate in any communications related to political matters with employers or their agents or representatives. The amendments to later versions of the bill – which are now law – clarify that the law does not prohibit certain communications including information that the employer is required by law or certain training, coursework and the like. It also clarifies that mandatory meetings are not prohibited that are lawful under federal law.
The NJSBA raised concerns about the broadened equitable relief that included restraining orders which could lead to a disruption in critical business operations or ongoing business activities, especially given an expansive reading of the prohibitions. Injunctive relief remains available for violations of the law, but the amendments attempt to clarify some of the terminology regarding prohibitions.