Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula & Jeff Van Drew

CHIVUKULA/VAN DREW MEASURE TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES
FROM RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL INTIMIDATION ADVANCES

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly Labor Committee today cleared legislation Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to protect New Jersey workers from being intimidated by their employers who wish to advance religious or political views.
The "Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act" (A-275) would prohibit employers from requiring employees to attend meetings organized to communicate the employer's religious and political opinions.

"Under no circumstances should employees be coerced into participating in religious or political activities out of fear," said Chivukula (D-Somerset). "To bar an employee's right of free speech and religion is simply un-American, and should not be tolerated in the workplace or anywhere else."

Under the measure, violations could generate civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. In addition, workers could not be demoted or forced to give up any benefits because of their religious or political views and would be compensated for any legal fees incurred as a result of employer intimidation.

"In the United States, every individual has a guaranteed right to have their own political and religious views," said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "It is critical that we uphold these hard-won values, and protect New Jersey employees whose rights are threatened in anyway at the workplace."

The legislation would not prohibit an employer from allowing an employee to attend employer-sponsored meetings regarding religion or politics, as long as it is clear that attendance is voluntary and the employee is notified that they have a right to refuse to participate in the meeting without fear of reprisal.

The bill was released 5-2, and now heads to the Assembly Speaker who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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CONTACT:
Assemblyman Chivukula (732) 247-3999
Assemblyman Van Drew (609) 465-0700
Erin Gold (609) 292-7065