SUUVA / CWA » Articles » UVA EMPLOYEES MAY WORK ELECTION-LETTER TO THE EDITOR, DAILY PROGRESS, NOVEMBER 3, 2007

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UVA EMPLOYEES MAY WORK ELECTION-LETTER TO THE EDITOR, DAILY PROGRESS, NOVEMBER 3, 2007

Posted: Saturday November 3, 2007

UVa Employees May Work Election

November 3, 2007

I write in regard to the story “UVa poll workers harder to find” (The Daily Progress, Oct. 25) about the University of Virginia’s policy regarding leave for employees who work as election officials.

The university stands strong in support of its employees exercising their right and duty to take part in civic activities. It is one of the missions of the university to foster civic involvement, a spirit of volunteerism and participation in activities that support our community. Serving as an election official clearly falls in this category.

The state provides a special type of leave – “civil leave” – for employees volunteering for civic service. The conditions around using civil leave are straightforward: Employees receive university salary while on civil leave and cannot accept additional payment. That would contradict the very intent of the civil leave program.

We recognize that election officials are paid and some employees may want to accept that payment.

To accommodate them we offer a choice: Employees who want to receive the extra pay must take some other form of paid personal leave.

It’s that simple: Take paid civil leave and no extra payment or, to receive the extra payment, take paid personal leave. The individual decides.

This policy is in fact the policy of the commonwealth. The state policy does not allow state employees to take paid civil leave and to receive pay for these duties.

The university encourages service to the community, as demonstrated on Sept. 19 for the annual Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring. The university once again fielded the largest employee volunteer work force, 1,292 strong, who dedicated themselves to community needs. Their volunteer service was counted as “hours worked” – and they were honored to do this without additional compensation.

I hope that our employees who are inspired to serve on Election Day know that their volunteerism is appreciated and supported through this paid leave program. We are proud of all UVa employees who give back to the community through public service.

Susan A. Carkeek

Albemarle County

Susan A. Carkeek is vice president and chief human resources officer of the University of Virginia.