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One to Keep An Eye On: SB 318 (Connecticut)


As with many labor & employment law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


On March 22nd, the Labor and Public Employees Committee (a committee of the Connecticut General Assembly) voted 9 - 4 to advance SB 318 which would prohibit employers from requiring workers to attend or participate in meetings concerning the employers’ views on religious or political matters.

The vote ending up along party lines should not necessarily be a surprise as both sides have started to dig in and fight.  For instance, Republicans and business groups that oppose SB 318 argue that the passage of the legislation would amount to a “gag order” on employers.  The argument follows that SB 318’s definition of “political matters” is far too broad in that the legislation could be interpreted as preventing employers from speaking to their employees about executive laws, orders, and related measures that deal with the coronavirus.  On the other side of the coin, Democrats and labor groups that are advocating for passage of SB 318 have suggested that it would allow employees the ability to leave an employer mandated meeting if/when it veered off into religious or political matters.  Without this legislation in place, it has been said that employees lack the freedom to choose not to work without fear of repercussions from their employer.

While SB 318 advanced, its passage is not guaranteed.  Prior attempts to pass similar legislation over the years has fallen short.  Will this be the year?


For additional information:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2022&bill_num=318

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