Maine has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that communicates the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
The details
The protection from adverse action also applies to employees who refuse to receive or listen to communications from the employer if the purpose is to convey the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters.
The law defines “political matters” as those relating to elections for political office, political parties, proposals to change legislation, proposals to change rules or regulations, proposals to change public policy and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization.
The law defines “religious matters” as those relating to religious belief, affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association.
Exceptions
The law doesn’t:
- Prohibit communications of information that the employer is required by law to communicate, but only to the extent of the lawful requirement.
- Limit the rights of an employer in conducting meetings involving religious matters or political matters as long as attendance is wholly voluntary or to engage in communications as long as receipt or listening is wholly voluntary; or
- Restrict the rights of an employer in communicating any information that is necessary for employees to perform their lawfully required job duties.
The law also doesn’t apply to religious employers.
Poster Required
Within 30 days after the effective date of the law, employers must post a notice of employee rights under the law where employee notices are customarily placed. The text of the law doesn’t indicate whether the state will develop a sample notice.
Next steps
- Post the required notice within 30 days of Oct. 25, 2023.
- Review policies and practices to ensure compliance with the changes.
- Train supervisors on the new law.
Please contact your ADP® Service Representative if you have any questions.