Bulletin
BC Hydro & Powertech – Clarifying your right to political participation
October 9, 2026
To: All MoveUP members at BCH & Powertech
Your union has written to BC Hydro’s Director of Labour Relations regarding Charlotte Mitha’s September 22 email about expectations for employees during the provincial election period.
We appreciate our members bringing up your concerns about your employer’s broad wording which could be interpreted as requiring employees to remain politically neutral in their personal lives.
While we recognize the employer’s responsibility to remain institutionally neutral, it is your constitutional right to participate in the democratic process and that includes engaging in the political process.
We have asked your employer to clarify their last communication and, subject to applicable workplace obligations, confirm they are not restricting your right to participate in the political process in your personal life.
The letter is attached for your information. We will update you once we receive the employer’s response. If you receive direction from management concerning your personal political activities, please contact your job steward or union representative.
In solidarity,
Mike Novak, Union Representative
Alina Teymory, Union Representative
Richard Van Grol, Union Representative
Paul Voykin, Union Representative
Chris Shier, Union Representative
Nathan Beausoleil, Senior Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice President of Utilities