The Provincial Election has been scheduled for May 9, 2017. The Union wants to ensure that all employees are given time to exercise their right to vote.
The BC Elections Act requires that, “An employee who is entitled to vote in an election or who, on registration, will be entitled to vote in the election is entitled to have 4 consecutive hours free from employment during voting hours for general voting.”
The information below is reproduced from Elections BC:
Right to time off
Voters are entitled to four consecutive hours free from work to vote on General Voting Day. Voting hours on General Voting Day are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Pacific Time.
This does not necessarily mean four hours off work. It means that there must be a four hour period, free from work, during voting hours. Time off may be at the beginning or end of an employee’s shift, or unnecessary if normal working hours already provide enough time free from work to vote. For example, if a shift ends at 4 p.m., or does not begin until noon, the employee is not entitled to any time off. Employers can decide when their employees can take time off to vote.
It is an offence if your employer deducts your pay or penalizes you for taking time off to vote. You are entitled to your regular compensation for any hours not worked during this time.
Employers and employees are encouraged to discuss how staff can exercise their right to vote to ensure that the requirements of the Election Act are met.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the general rules outlined above. For example, if a voter is in such a remote location that they would not be able to reach any voting place during voting hours, they are not entitled to any time off for voting.
What to do if your employer is refusing to provide time off
If your employer does not provide you with the necessary time off for voting, you may contact Elections BC. Elections BC will phone the employer or fax a letter to them outlining their obligations under the Election Act. You must provide us with the name, address, phone number and/or fax number of the employer.
Failure to comply
Failure to comply with section 74 of the Election Act is an offence and, upon conviction, an employer may be liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not longer than one year, or both.
Contraventions of the Election Act should be reported in writing to the Chief Electoral Officer.
The Union expects that all necessary steps will be taken by Management to ensure all employees are provided with time off to vote. Please contact your steward if you have any issues or questions.
On May 9th—cast a ballot, have your say!
In Solidarity,
Jennifer Savage
President
la/CUPE-3338