[Tb-bargaining] Your Political Rights: USE THEM!

[Patrick Bragg]

One of the hallmarks of a healthy democracy is the ability of citizens
to participate freely and actively in determining who they elect to
govern and make decisions on their behalf.

PSAC members are encouraged to take an active role in exercising their
democratic political rights by:

    * Signing a candidate*s nomination papers.
    * Wearing a party or candidate button in public.
    * Placing an election sign on your property.
    * Giving political opinions in public or elsewhere
    * Working as a canvasser for a political party or candidate.
    * Working in a campaign office
    * Participating in the formation of party or candidate policies
    * Taking part in election-day activities on behalf of a party or
candidate
    * Attending peaceful demonstrations on political topics.
    * Soliciting funds from the public for political campaigns and
parties
    * Attending a political convention as a delegate.
    * Writing letters to the editor endorsing a candidate or party.

For some PSAC members * those covered by the Public Service
Employment Act * some restrictions apply. None of the activities
listed in the previous column should be carried out during your working
hours. There are also separate and special rules that apply if you wish
to be a candidate in a federal, territorial, municipal or provincial
election.

When determining how you want to exercise your democratic rights,
follow some guiding principles.

    * Don*t conduct any political activity on the job.
    * Don*t identify yourself as a federal public sector worker when
working on a campaign, e.g. canvassing,
      making phone calls, etc.
    * Don*t wear your uniform if you are required to wear one at
work, or your government identification, at public meetings such as
candidates* meetings.
    * Don*t drive a government identified vehicle when participating
in election activities.

If you are disciplined in any way for participation in a political
activity, this can be grieved.

If you are disciplined, contact your Local/Branch or your Component for
representation and advise your PSAC regional office. Any attempts by
management to restrict your political rights should also be brought to
the attention of the PSAC regional office.