CalChamber Urges Legislators to Vote ‘No’ on Job Killer Bill Restricting Employer Speech

A California Chamber of Commerce job killer bill that drastically restricts how businesses communicate with their employees on matters directly related to their company and industry is getting a late push in Sacramento.

Billed as a way to protect workers from political influence, SB 399 (Wahab; D-Hayward) is unnecessary and will deter companies from engaging in open dialogue with their employees around matters that impact a company, their industry, and even new rules governing their jobs.

Join California’s business community in telling your legislator to vote NO on SB 399. An easy-to-edit sample letter is available through CalChamber’s Impact California action center.

SB 399

SB 399 will deter companies from communicating at all about political matters, including informing workers about impacts of legislation, hosting fundraisers, or supporting local candidates.

In a letter sent to legislators, the CalChamber pointed out that SB 399 is unnecessary because California and federal law already protect employees from any employer coercion related to political activities or beliefs. Any employer who is coercing an employee to vote a certain way, attend a political rally, support or oppose certain legislation, or to vote for or against a union is already breaking the law.

SB 399 is also problematic because any good faith error in interpreting the bill or trying to comply creates liability for penalties under the California Labor Code.

A similar bill was vetoed in Colorado for putting employers in the “impossible position” of trying to determine when any communication may constitute a political matter. Similar legislation has been struck down, challenged in court, or vetoed in other states.

Staff Contact: Ashley Hoffman