The upcoming elections on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, are almost here. Employees in Minnesota must be given “the time necessary” to get to his or her polling places, cast his or her ballot, and return to work. Employers cannot penalize employees or deduct wages or salary due to the absence for voting. Previously, the law allowed employees eligible to vote paid time off in the morning on Election Day. The current law, amended in 2010, allows employees to go to the polls to vote at any time during the workday, and return to work without reduction in pay. Although employers may request that employees give notice of their absence in advance, the law implies that the employee may choose the time to go to the polls.
The law also provides that a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, which obligates county attorneys to prosecute.
See Minn. Stat. §204C.04.
Sue Fischer counsels employers in broad aspects of employment law topics, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leaves of absence, discipline and discharge and military leave laws, and investigates employee complaints. Sue also works with businesses and corporations to conduct training, and develop policies and handbooks, and employment agreements. Sue encourages and works with employers to take a proactive approach to providing a positive workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Sue has also presented and has trained managers and employees on anti-harassment and discrimination, diversity and managers about effective hiring, discipline, and termination strategies. Sue can be reached at 612-455-7720 or
[email protected].
