Voting in Alberta Elections

Alberta’s Election Act ensures that all eligible voters are allowed three consecutive hours for the purpose of voting. An Employee’s regular work schedule may already allow for three consecutive hours while the polls are open (from 900 to 2000 on Election Day). For example, if a shift begins at 1200, or ends by 1700, an Employee will have the three hours required by legislation to vote and would not be entitled to take additional time off. The provisions contained in Section 132 of the Election Act state: (1) If the work schedule of an employee who is an elector does not provide the employee with 3 consecutive hours to vote in an election or plebiscite during one of the days of advance voting or on election day, the employer shall allow the employee leave time for voting as required to provide the employee 3 consecutive hours to vote during voting hours on any of the days of voting, at the convenience of the employer. (3) No employer may make any deduction from the pay of an employee or impose on or exact from the employee any penalty by reason of the employee’s absence from employment during the leave time for voting referred to in subsection (1). UNA members are encouraged to speak with their Employer in advance to ensure they have the time off to vote if needed. UNA members with any questions or concerns should contact their UNA local executive or Labour Relations Officer at 1-800-252-9394.

Bring union representation to Employer meetings

According to Article 23.06 of the UNA Provincial Collective Agreement, Employees can have a union representative present for any meetings being held with the Employer that could lead to disciplinary action. When an Employer calls an Employee into a meeting that could possibly have disciplinary aspects to it, the Employer needs to inform the Employee of this right to union representation. The article states that Employees also need to be provided a reasonable advance notice of the meeting, which, if circumstances permit, shall not be less than 24 hours. An Employer will often say that a union representative is not necessary, however, UNA strongly encourages Employees to take a union representative with them to provide support, take notes and provide assistance following the meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your UNA local executive or Labour Relations Officer at 1-800-252-9394.

Off Planner Vacation Requests

According to Article 17.03(b)(ii) of the UNA Provincial Collective Agreement, when an Employee submits a request in writing after April 30 for vacation, the Employer shall indicate approval or disapproval in writing of the vacation request within 14 days of the request. Each request submitted by an Employee must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If your manager says they are not approving any “off planner” or “ad hoc” requests, then they are not assessing each request. Such blanket denials are arbitrary and contravene the requirements of the Collective Agreement. In addition, it is not the responsibility of an Employee to find coverage for their vacation. The manager or their staffing office is responsible to do so. If you believe a vacation request has been denied unreasonably, please contact your UNA local executive or Labour Relations Officer at 1-800-252-9394.