We have started a new segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. Our first question is:
QUESTION: I scheduled my vacation time during the week of Christmas 6 months ago so I was sure to get it. It was approved, but then COVID happened and our company has now frozen all PTO and vacation time. My family lives out of state so I was planning to travel during that time but now I am scheduled to work. Can they do that? I can’t afford to lose my job but I don’t think it’s fair I have to give up my time when it was already approved months ago. What are my options?
ANSWER: The short answer is yes, they can do that. The owner of the company is the one that chooses what the rules are so if they want to change them, they have the right to do so. However, there are things you can do as well. This year is one like no other, we as managers and owners are in uncharted territory and often just doing what we can to keep the doors open. This is a world wide pandemic and the choices being made are according to the betterment of the company and the economy. So yes, they have the choice to resend any approved PTO requests, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose it. You may get it back at another time. Keep in mind this isn’t going on only in your company, it’s happening everywhere.
If you don’t wish to quit your job (considering the economic climate I wouldn’t recommend it) your option is basically to work your time and take your PTO at a later date. However, if you would like it contest it, you have the right to do so. Check your employee handbook and read the fine print under paid time off or PTO benefits to see if there is anything in writing about keeping approved time off. If you don’t want to cause any waves, first try having a simple conversation with your supervisor explaining your situation. Perhaps they can bend a little, BUT do not go in expecting it because they may not have the authority to make exceptions if it is a company policy.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.
We have started a new segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. Our first question is:
QUESTION: I scheduled my vacation time during the week of Christmas 6 months ago so I was sure to get it. It was approved, but then COVID happened and our company has now frozen all PTO and vacation time. My family lives out of state so I was planning to travel during that time but now I am scheduled to work. Can they do that? I can’t afford to lose my job but I don’t think it’s fair I have to give up my time when it was already approved months ago. What are my options?
ANSWER: The short answer is yes, they can do that. The owner of the company is the one that chooses what the rules are so if they want to change them, they have the right to do so. However, there are things you can do as well. This year is one like no other, we as managers and owners are in uncharted territory and often just doing what we can to keep the doors open. This is a world wide pandemic and the choices being made are according to the betterment of the company and the economy. So yes, they have the choice to resend any approved PTO requests, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose it. You may get it back at another time. Keep in mind this isn’t going on only in your company, it’s happening everywhere.
If you don’t wish to quit your job (considering the economic climate I wouldn’t recommend it) your option is basically to work your time and take your PTO at a later date. However, if you would like it contest it, you have the right to do so. Check your employee handbook and read the fine print under paid time off or PTO benefits to see if there is anything in writing about keeping approved time off. If you don’t want to cause any waves, first try having a simple conversation with your supervisor explaining your situation. Perhaps they can bend a little, BUT do not go in expecting it because they may not have the authority to make exceptions if it is a company policy.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.