Canada Elections Act and Time Off To Vote

Given that the Federal Election has been scheduled for October 14, 2008 and that it follows the long weekend, the Union is concerned that all employees are given time to exercise their right to vote.

The Canada Elections Act entitles an employee to three consecutive hours on polling day for the purpose of casting their ballots.  If an employee’s hours of work do not allow him or her three consecutive hours to vote, the employer must allow him or her sufficient time off to allow three consecutive hours for that purpose.

Employers cannot impose a penalty or deduct pay from an employee for the time off the employer is required to provide for voting.  An employee must be paid what he or she would have earned during the time allowed off for voting.

It is an offence for employers to fail to provide time off for voting if required under the Canada Elections Act.  it is also an offence for an employer to reduce an employee’s pay where the employee has been provided time off to vote in accordance with the Act.

It is also an offence for an employer to use intimidation, undue influence, or any other means to interfere with the granting of time off to vote under the Canada Elections Act.

As the Election is following a Statutory Holiday, predictably there will be some employees that may incur overtime, preventing them from exercising their right to cast a ballot.  This should not happen under any circumstances – it is against the law and punishable by fines under the Canada Elections Act.  The Union expects that all necessary steps will be taken by Management to ensure all employees are provided with time off to vote.

 

Robert R. Mulvin

President, Vancouver Local