New Illinois pro-union law bans employers from forcing political or religious views

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed the Worker Freedom of Speech Act which bans employers from disciplining employees who fail to attend mandatory meetings where opinions on political or religious matters are shared.

According to the National Labor Relations Board, 89% of all employers hold mandatory meetings as a response to unionizing efforts, causing union election victory rates to drop to 47%.

“Captive audience meetings are a direct violation of workers’ rights. These meetings impact our most vulnerable employees and often force them to choose between their livelihood and their personal values,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “We are thankful to Governor Pritzker for standing with workers and demonstrating his commitment to a fair workplace.”

The law prohibits employers from threatening, disciplining, firing, or otherwise retaliating against workers who refuse to attend mandatory workplace meetings where company views on politics or religion are espoused, but it does not prevent employers from holding such meetings.

Under the law, an employer can face a $1,000 penalty for each violation.

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