Captive Audience Meetings by State

Employers frequently hold meetings to communicate essential information - ranging from job duties and safety protocols to organizational goals - to employees. Attendance at these meetings is often mandatory. However, when the primary purpose of a meeting is to express the employer's views on political or religious matters, it may fall under the category of a "captive audience" meeting.

"Political matters" often include union-related communications, such as decisions to join or support a labor organization, and these meetings are often held during union organizing campaigns.

This 50-state chart provides a comparative overview of laws regulating captive audience meetings. The chart includes:

• Prohibitions: Employer behaviors that are regulated or prohibited.
• Definitions: How states define "political matters" and, where applicable, "religious matters."
• Exceptions: Statutory carve-outs that permit certain communications or limit the scope of restrictions.
• Required Notice: Requirements for notifications that employers must provide to employees.

For further guidance on unionization procedures and compliance, refer to The Unionization Process federal and state sections in the Employment Law Guide.