New Jersey Passes Two New Pro-Labor Laws Backed by SMART-TD

Thanks to SMART-TD’s leadership and collaboration with other labor organizations and the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, two new, pro-worker bills are now law in the Garden State!

Protection Against “Captive Audience” Meetings 

Sponsored by a cohort of bipartisan lawmakers, A-4429 prohibits employers from forcing employees to attend meetings concerning political or religious matters, including what’s known as “captive audience meetings.” 

“By protecting workers from being forced to sit through captive audience meetings, New Jersey is defending the dignity and independence every worker deserves on the job,” explained SMART-TD’s New Jersey State Safety & Legislative Director Ron Sabol. “SMART-TD applauds Governor [Phil] Murphy for taking this bold step to stand with our workers.” 
 
These are a well-known scare tactic used by some employers to discourage forming or joining a union.  
 
The new law makes it clear that attendance at these meetings is voluntary, and employees can’t face retaliation for their decision not to participate.  
 
Employers can still hold voluntary meetings, share legally required information, and conduct anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training, but workers’ rights are at the heart of the bill.  

Labor History Required in New Jersey Classrooms

The second pro-labor bill signed by Governor Murphy (A-1682) enshrines education about organized labor in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies for grades 6-12. The law requires the state Board of Education to adopt standards about the history of labor and labor movements, and school districts are directed to provide instruction on United States and New Jersey labor history as part of their regular curriculum.  

“By requiring labor history to be taught in our schools, the state ensures that the next generations understand the sacrifices and struggles that built the workplace protections we have today,” said SLD Sabol. “As these young people prepare to enter the workforce, they’ll have a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the benefits we enjoy that were won by unions but often taken for granted in today’s world.” 
 
A-1682 boasted 22 bipartisan co-sponsors and sets an important precedent for labor education.  
 
New Jersey continues to be an example of what’s possible when lawmakers and labor work together to get things done. Congratulations to SLD Sabol and the New Jersey and Delaware Safety and Legislative Board for doing their part to help secure these legislative victories!