LANSING – State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) today introduced a plan that protects Michigan's workers from being forced by an employer to attend meetings based around religious or political issues.
"Employees should not be forced to attend closed-door meetings where they are subjected to indoctrination on issues unrelated to their job performance," Meadows said. "Our workers must not fear retaliation for expressing opposing viewpoints. This plan will protect Michigan's workers from being reprimanded if they decide against going to a meeting that may infringe on their viewpoints."
Meadows' plan, the Worker Freedom Act, makes it unlawful for an employer to require its employees to attend or participate in meetings where the employer lectures on religion, politics or labor organizing. It also prohibits employees from being penalized, fired or otherwise reprimanded for refusing to attend such meetings. Workers can voluntarily attend such meetings.
"Michigan was built by workers and we must stand up for them," Meadows said. "The Worker Freedom Act will give employees the freedom to walk away from political or religious driven meetings, and would bar employers from firing or disciplining workers who choose not to attend. Freedom of speech, religion and political affiliation applies to everyone – including our workers."