Mr. Joe,
We have been off of work since Friday due to the weather, again tonight they have canceled the shift in anticipation of the weather. I appreciate their concern for our safety. The problem is that they are forcing us to use our vacation time if we have any to cover these days. I have asked them can I take it unpaid, they said no. I explained that I would sign a form that I wouldn't try and collect unemployment. I explained that I had a week vacation planned and paid for in late spring and couldn't cancel and get my money back this late. I was saving my vacation time to use it for this trip. Thus now I am being forced to take vacation time when I don't want to and lose the money I had paid for the trip. Interruption insurance I had won't cover lack of vacation.... Yet there are many people at work who don't have vacation/sick time and they are getting it off unpaid. I think we should be given the choice if we want to be paid or not, as long as we agree to not to file for unemployment.
Thanks
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
I think personally this is the time you should be paid for snow days. We are out of work and we get paid. This is not avoidable. You have no control and should not be forced to use all your vacation time. You earned that so you can enjoy yourself. Sitting in the house with no electricity is no vacation and shame on your employer. I guarantee the big shots will still get their paycheck. GUARANTEED!!!
ReplyDeleteCheck on unemployment. If the facility is closed and you can not work, we are eligible to collect unemployment.
ReplyDeletethey can't force you to use vacation time if the facility is closed.
ReplyDeleteDon't like it? Find a new job. Isn't that what the 100% free market anti-union conservatives say?
ReplyDeletecontact DLLR to see if this practice is even allowed.
ReplyDeleteSince you offered to take these days without pay to save your vacation days, maybe you could take the scheduled vacation days without pay and not lose the money for your trip. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThat is awful, I have been unable to work cause of snow as well but they are still paying us without taking leave time away.
ReplyDeleteI agree with DLLR, though i know in maryland, when there were some plants operating, they would close for a maintance repairs in july and personnel were forced to use it as a vacation, but they knew will in advance of the routine shutdown for maintance. If you are in delware, and its a state of emerency, there could be other options since the state is requiring no one to be on the road.
ReplyDeleteCheck with fair labors act, department of labor etc, it may take some time, but it will be well worth it. It took me a month and half to collect money my employer owed me for unused vacation, when i left employement, no it did not help me at the time, but when i did get the check it was well worth it.
Anon919 - Agreed. A job is better than no job.
ReplyDeleteIf you are forced to use your vacation days now do it, but when the vacation comes around take the days off unpaid. If you were willing to take the days now unpaid to save the vacation time, then money is obviously not an issue. These times are hard on a lot of people, try to roll with the punches. Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteYou assume he has that option. Reading what he said I doubt that to be the case. Most employers will not allow people to take vacation without pay. They need their employees at work.
ReplyDeleteI seriously doubt there is a solution to this short of quitting. Although if enough where he works have similar problems they could make an exception.
My PT job has paid us when we have been closed and I am extremely grateful for that.Technically,I do not think you can be forced to use paid time vs unpaid time but in Maryland most employers can do whatever they want.
ReplyDelete757 glad to see you have your rose colored glasses on. Why should the employer have to pay for snow days? Who is paying him for them. I agree that the person in this post should not be required to use his vacation and I would never insist my employees do it as well. As you stated you have no control over the weather, well guess what neither do the employers!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the "big shot" comment I say to you Stick it sunshine!! I have paychecks dating back months that I have not cashed so that I could continue to keep the most people on the payroll and feeding their families as long as possible. Things are starting to get better now and luckly for me I know how to save for rainy days unlike most of my employees that live paycheck to paycheck. Rest assured that with your attitude you would not have to make a choice between paid or unpaid. I would gladly pay you your due and send you off to greener pasture.
you sound like a true obamacrat and look where that thinking is getting this country now!!!!
sign me PISSED OFF