|
Every election year,
questions arise about what state employees can and can't do with regard
to political activities. The Civil Service Rules governing political activities
came about as the result of some interesting history. That history and
some guidance to assist you are outlined below so that you will know your
rights and obligations.
History
In 1940, the citizens of Michigan amended the state constitution to create
the Civil Service Commission. They sought to clean up a spoils system
under which obligations to political parties overwhelmed state employees.
Employees did party work while on the clock and paid part of their salaries
back to the parties to keep their jobs. Annual turnover was high and could
approach 40 percent when political parties changed control.
From 1941 to 1980,
Civil Service Rules severely restricted political activities of classified
employees. In 1980, the Michigan Supreme Court struck down blanket prohibitions
on off-duty political activities. The Civil Service Commission then amended
its rules to focus on political activities while on duty.
Political Activities
on the Job Are Prohibited
You can express
an opinion about politics, but cannot attempt to persuade anyone to
be "for" or "against" any candidate or issue while
on-duty.
You cannot engage
in political activities, including political fundraising, during on-duty
hours.
You cannot do outside
political work on state time.
You cannot levy,
solicit, collect, pay, order, or authorize any type of political assessment.
Off-Duty Political
Activity Must Not Conflict With Your Job Performance
A classified state employee may hold a party office, be a delegate to
a party convention, or engage in political activities on behalf of a candidate
or issue. When engaging in these off-duty political activities, you are
exercising basic constitutional rights. However, by accepting a classified
state position, you assume an obligation to structure your activities
to not conflict with your job. Remember that any political activities
must be consistent with your ethical obligations regarding conflicts of
interest and supplemental employment.
Discrimination Based on Partisan Considerations Is Prohibited
Whether expressed or not, your political views are a personal matter.
You cannot be advanced or held back on the job because of them. The Civil
Service Commission wants to know about improper political activities,
political solicitation, or political "pressure" in the state
classified workplace. If you believe your rights are being violated, you
may file a grievance in the appropriate forum.
Running for Political Office
You may run for partisan or nonpartisan public office, subject
to the following conditions:
Your campaign must
be conducted entirely on your own time.
If you run for
the state legislature, a state executive branch office, or the Michigan
Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, you must ask for an unpaid leave
of absence from your state job.
If you work in
a federally-funded program, federal law (the Hatch Act) prohibits candidacy
for public elective office in a partisan election.
For additional information regarding political activities, please visit
our Web site and view Civil
Service Rule 1-12, Political Activities. |