Oregon Public Broadcasting

A federal judge in Oregon on Friday threw out a legal challenge to a law that allows employees to skip certain workplace meetings.

The suit was filed by business groups. The 2009 measure prevents employers from punishing workers who refuse to attend meetings about religious or political matters.

Supporters say the law is needed to protect workers from being pressured by anti-union rhetoric on the job. Business groups claim the law violates their free speech rights.

J.L. Wilson of Associated Oregon Industries says [todayís] Fridayís ruling doesnít mean the issue is resolved.

J.L. Wilson: "It just means weíre in a holding pattern.  All the judge really said is we have to wait until one of our members actually gets sued or faces the direct threat of a lawsuit."

Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian was a defendant in the suit. Avakian issued a statement calling the ruling a victory for labor.