Thursday September 16, 2021
The Federal Election has been scheduled for Monday September 20, 2021. Our Union wants to ensure 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. Your employer has the right to decide when the time off will be given.
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.
It is against the law and punishable by fines under the Canada Elections Act if the employer does not allow employees the time to vote. The maximum penalty for violating these prohibitions is a fine of up to $2,000, three months imprisonment, or both.
The Union expects that all necessary steps will be taken by Management to ensure all employees are provided with time off to vote.
On Monday September 20 th, 2021 cast your ballot, and have your say. In BC, our polls are open 7am and closes at 7pm.
In solidarity,
CUPW Royal City Local Executive