Politics and Election Day Employer Practices and Rights
Susan Lessack, a partner in Troutman Pepper’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, was quoted in a Small Business Association of Michigan article titled, “ Politics and Election Day Employer Practices and Rights.”
Susan K. Lessack, attorney at the law firm Pepper Hamilton LLP, provides several points for what such a policy could address:
- A statement that employees have the right to vote for the candidates of his or her choice.
- An adaptation of any existing non-solicitation policies to restrict political solicitations during work time.
- Reminders that company computers are for company business.
- A statement that prohibits employees from sending political messages on company computer systems.
- Restrictions on wearing political clothing or buttons or displaying political messages, if the employees deal directly with customers (to the extent not protected by the National Labor Relations Act).
- Cautions that political talk that creates a hostile work environment will not be tolerated.
- A provision that requests for time off to volunteer on a political campaign or to attend a rally will be considered and granted neutrally, the same way as any other request for time off for any other reason.
- A statement that an employee’s political views should not influence his or her performance reviews or eligibility for promotion.