As the election day approaches, a significant discussion has emerged around workers’ rights in Wisconsin. Democratic candidates for governor and Congress have spotlighted this issue, gathering outside an Amazon warehouse in Kenosha to advocate for employees’ rights to take time off work to vote.
This advocacy event was sparked by concerns raised by a warehouse worker who claimed that Amazon wasn’t guaranteeing time off on Election Day. Amazon, however, has disputed these allegations, asserting compliance with state voting laws.
Under Wisconsin law, employers are required to provide up to three hours of unpaid time off to vote, a right protected for workers across the state.
During the event, Democratic contenders, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and 1st Congressional District candidate Mitchell Berman, emphasized that Amazon has adjusted its policy to align with this right. “What Amazon initially proposed doing the folks in this in this building is wrong, plain and simple,” Crowley remarked, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal standards.
Rep. Angelina Cruz from Racine shared a worker’s experience, who reported being told that if their shift ended with enough time left before polls closed, they might not be allowed time off to vote. Cruz commented, “But rights shouldn’t depend on a company’s willingness to back down.”
In response, Amazon issued a statement describing the claims as “inaccurate,” affirming their compliance with voting time-off laws. “The fact is that we comply with the legal requirements for voting time off in the places where we operate,” the spokesperson said.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission responded to Cruz’s inquiry by releasing an advisory opinion in September, clarifying that employers cannot deny unpaid time off for voting during work hours.
While employers can choose the specific voting time window, they cannot require employees to vote outside of work hours. The Department of Workforce Development advises employees to notify their employers about their voting-related absence.
Bryna Godar, a legal expert from the University of Wisconsin, clarified that the regulation applies differently to state employees than to private employees. She noted, “And it does not suggest that simply having three hours between ending work and polls closing would eliminate the need to take time off.”
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan has been in contact with Amazon, urging the company to ensure all employees are informed of their rights in writing. He stated, “We have a state law that’s very clear. And now, through this experience, hopefully more employers will understand what the law is.”
Amazon has reportedly communicated voting time-off information to its workers nationwide, using various platforms and direct notifications since late October, according to a company spokesperson.
