Pritzker Signs Ban on Anti-Union ‘Captive Audience’ Meetings

Illinois banned mandatory workplace meetings dealing with political and religious matters, including union membership, under labor-backed legislation that Gov. JB Pritzker (D) signed into law.

The bill (SB 3649) mirrors the bans on “captive audience” meetings enacted in a half dozen other states, including a New York law passed in 2023.

Labor advocates say the measures are needed to prevent employers from using mandatory meetings to pressure workers not to unionize. Business groups including the US Chamber of Commerce have sued to challenge captive audience bans in Connecticut and Minnesota, alleging they violate employers’ First Amendment rights and ...