Court Invalidates California Law on Union Meetings
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that state law SB 399 violates employer First Amendment rights.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Unions
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A federal appeals court has invalidated a California law that restricted mandatory workplace meetings regarding union membership, religion, and politics. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the measure infringes upon employers' First Amendment rights.
Why it matters
The decision establishes that state-mandated restrictions on employer speech regarding unionization are unconstitutional. By affirming a lower court injunction, the ruling prevents state officials from enforcing the law.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permanently blocked the enforcement of SB 399 after finding it violated constitutional protections. The ruling upholds a lower court injunction preventing the application of these specific workplace speech restrictions.
The players
California Chamber of Commerce
This is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of businesses operating within the state of California.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
This federal court has jurisdiction over California and several other western states.
The details
The court determined that the law enacted by California lawmakers in 2024 was an overreach that inhibited the ability of businesses to speak freely with their staff. Business groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce, successfully challenged the measure in court.
Timeline
2024: California lawmakers enacted the labor regulation SB 399.
October 29, 2026: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling invalidating the law.
Political Context
The ruling follows a pattern of legal challenges where business groups push back against state-level regulations impacting employer speech. Opponents of the court's decision argue that such laws are necessary to prevent captive-audience meetings that may unfairly influence employee unionization efforts.
California employers are no longer restricted by the state from holding mandatory meetings regarding union membership, politics, or religion. Taxpayers and workers will see no immediate changes to their civil liberties as the court ruling restores the legal status quo for businesses.
The takeaway
This ruling highlights the high threshold states must meet when attempting to regulate the speech of employers during labor organizing. Businesses should review their current labor policies to ensure they align with the restoration of these speech rights.
Further reading
For more on how labor regulations are evolving in the state, visit the California Unions section.
Live Poll
Should employers be permitted to require employees to attend meetings about union membership?
