MD Teamsters Urge Lawmakers to Stop Mandatory Captive Meetings

TL/DR -

Teamsters have testified in favor of HB 802, a bill in the Maryland Legislature seeking to ban forced attendance at captive audience meetings, which are used by employers to dissuade workers from joining a union. The presidents of Teamsters Joint Council 62 and 55 have stressed the importance of this bill toward ensuring economic democracy and free speech, and protecting workers during an organizing drive. Brandon King, a former worker who experienced chastisement in a captive audience meeting and was subsequently fired, has called on state and federal leaders to prevent companies from intimidating workers who want to form a union.

Wrongfully Terminated Worker Shares Harrowing Experience at Captive Audience Meeting

Teamsters Rally for HB 802 Against Forced Attendance at Anti-Union Meetings

Teamsters assembled in Annapolis to advocate for the passage of Maryland's HB 802. The proposed law seeks to prohibit mandatory attendance at captive audience meetings aimed at dissuading workers from unionizing through intimidation, false assurances, and deceit.

“HB 802 reinforces economic democracy and free speech at work, providing a just procedure for union representation seekers,” stated Sean Cedenio, President of Teamsters Joint Council 62.

“Why do employers resort to debasing propaganda when workers start organizing if unions aren't necessary?” questioned Rudy Gardner, President of Teamsters Joint Council 55. “We thank Delegates Joe Vogel, Lorig Charkoudian, Vaughn Stewart, and other legislative supporters. We call on Governor Wes Moore and Maryland lawmakers to promptly pass this law.”

Former R.E. Michel Employee Recounts Traumatic Experience

Brandon King, an ex-employee of R.E. Michel who attempted to organize a union, shared his experience at a captive audience meeting where he was publicly berated, while the company did nothing. Following this incident, King was wrongfully terminated, with the company infringing on multiple federally protected union activities.

“Illegal intimidation by companies must be stopped. How many more workers must suffer like me for wanting a union?” King urged.

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