Can an employer dictate what days you can have off for vacation?
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Can an employer dictate what days you can have off for vacation?
I was told if that’s not your regular weekend to work you can’t take that day off for vacation. However, I was always under the assumption that if you earned it you can take it.
Asked on January 14, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Most employees view vacation as a mandatory benefit of employment; they think that it it theirs to take or not as they choose. However, the fact is that there is no law requiring that such time be given. It is up to the discretion of their employer. Accordingly, this is a voluntary benefit therefore an employer can tell an employee when and how much to take; it can even refuse to let an employee take it.
Consequently, unless you have an employment contract, union agreement or company policy provides otherwise, as an at-will employee your are subject to your employer's conditions. Additionally, your treatment must not be the result of actionable discrimination.
Bottom line, while the majority of employees believe they have the right to use any banked or unused time whenever they please; this simply isn't the case.
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