If you get notified that your time off request was denied it can take the wind right out of your sails. You were probably excited to go on vacation or take a well-deserved rest day. If you still have vacation days left you might be confused why your boss would reject your request and question whether they have the right to or not. Unfortunately for employees, employers in Georgia are well within their rights to deny your request for paid time off. If you believe that your rights as an employee have been violated it is important that you seek representation. Contact an Atlanta employment rights attorney today.
Can My PTO Request Be Denied?
In short, yes, your request to take paid time off can be denied. Georgia state law does not require companies to provide their employees with paid time off, so it does not enforce approvals either. Unless the reason for time off falls under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) or another type of mandatory unpaid leave, employers do not have to approve time off.
It is important to note that if your employment contract includes vacation and sick days as part of your compensation package, you are entitled to use those paid days off. However, you are not necessarily entitled to take them whenever you want to. If your boss decides that for the good of the business they need you to be working they are within their rights to deny your request.
What Should I Do if My Boss Denies My Paid Time Off?
If your boss denies your request for paid time off you are probably feeling confused and frustrated. You might have already booked your trip or gotten excited about your time off. You have a couple of options if your days off are not accepted.
First, talk to your employer. Identify whoever is responsible for approving your vacation days, whether that be your manager or the business owner. Speak with them to inquire why your request was denied. The more information you have the better. If your time off request involves religious or medical reasons or a family obligation, your employer may be willing to rethink their decision.
If their refusal of your time off is due to being understaffed, you could try to take things into your own hands. Reach out to your coworkers and ask if anyone would be willing to switch shifts with you or cover your work while you are gone. Depending on the relationships you have with your fellow employees you may be able to take care of the issue and approach your boss with the new situation.
You could also simply not come to work regardless. However, this is not recommended. By failing to show up when you are expected to you could face discipline or be putting your employment at risk. If your boss denies your paid time off try to work things out with them or reschedule your event if possible.
