Integrity Standard - Political Activity and Community Involvement

Q: Can I, on occasion, do some personal volunteer work monitoring election practices during various municipal, state, and federal elections?

A: You may use PTO days to work as a volunteer in the election-related activities mentioned.  However, no reimbursement will be made by the Company for any expenses which you incur. 

Q: Can I speak at a local club meeting on the issue of health care reform?

A: Yes, as long as you make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not as an official spokesperson for our Company.  If you are asked to represent our Company in a formal capacity, you should obtain approval from your EVP/SVP who will advise you whether you need to discuss the matter and review your proposed presentation with our Public Affairs Department.

Q: Can our Company pay for the administrative expenses necessary to establish and operate either a federal Political Action Committee (PAC) or a state Political Action Committee (PAC)?  May I voluntarily participate in the Company’s PAC program?

A: Under federal and state laws, the Company is permitted to pay the costs necessary to establish and operate federal and state PACs. It is also legally permissible for Company employees both to voluntarily contribute to a federal or state PAC and to perform the administrative tasks necessary to establish and operate a federal or state PAC. 

Q: I just received an e-mail announcing that a candidate for office will be speaking in our building to employees. Doesn't that violate our Code by using the building for political purposes?

A: Provided all rival candidates or political parties are offered equal access, this does not constitute endorsement of a particular candidacy and is not a violation of our Code.

Q: Our Public Affairs Department has sent out an e-mail urging employees to contact members of the Legislature in opposition to a specific piece of legislation. They say the bill would hurt our company. Isn't that a violation of the Code?

A: No. Public policy issues differ from political endorsements. The Company's ability to operate effectively depends upon fair and equitable legislation and regulation at both the state and federal levels. It is important that the company and its employees be heard on these issues. However, while the Company is entitled under the Code to encourage such employee participation; it is always voluntary on the part of the employee. 

Remember, if you do not understand, or if you have any questions concerning, this Integrity Standard or any other part of the Code, contact your Supervisor, a higher level Supervisor, any of the Corporate Resources listed on Page 7 or call the Corporate Integrity HOTLINE (1-800-838-2552).

Integrity Standard - Political Activity