Discussing political issues

[goodgps]

We are considering a company meeting to discuss upcoming political measures, pro's and con's as they relate to our buisness.

All of my employees are in favour yet I want to be sure I'm not falling into some civil liberties trap. We don't intent to bend the issue nor advise on personal voting. Our mission is only to discuss any possible effect a certain bill or law may have on our survey business.

Has anyone else ever entertained this for their business or workplace ?
Is it legal ? do I need bail money ?

"Good"ness gracious

[E_Page]

First, I am not an attorney. I consult with one quite often, but that's usually regarding who is going to pick up the kids rather than points of law. So, take this information as anecdotal and a "well, gee, I guess..."

A few of election cycles back, there was a statewide ballot measure regarding infrastructure funding and construction. If it passed, it would have been very good for our company and the employment outlook of all who worked there. If it failed, things wouldn't have been so good.

The company management sent out an email to all of its CA employees urging them to vote for the measure. That company had and has in-house counsel to run these sort of things by before doing them.

It seems like you are planning on presenting both sides of the issue. As long as it is something that actually pertains to the work that you do, I wouldn't think there should be any issues to be concerned about.

Even if you are advocating one way or the other, as long as the affect of the measure upon your operations is fairly obvious and you are not doing it in a coercive way, and unless you have a non-profit status to protect (legal, not actual NP status), again, I wouldn't foresee a problem.

Make the company meeting optional but advertise it well within your company.


But remember..... Well, gee, I guess it'd be OK.

[RobCT]

Review the reports of the CLSA Legislative Committee - those guys are sharp... See your Chapter Rep for info from Board meetings...