Can my boss tell me what I can and can not take time off for?

Question

My boss found out that I lied to her to get time off. When she found out I addmited to her that I lied only cause I knew she would not let me have the time off. After that she replied that she doesn't think it was worth taking time off for. BTW it was for a convention I go to every year with friends. I apologized but asked her why she let another empoyee take time off to go to Vegas? My second question is, can it be considered dicrimination if she lets every other employee take time off but not me. I am the only one in the office that has vacation time left and she refuses to let me use it.

Answer 1

It's not really her business why you need time off.  I had the same issue at a previous job.  Our sick time expired each year but I never got sick.  I asked if I could schedule a couple of "sick" days because I was getting really run down and needed a few days off.  I was told no.  I was trying to be courteous so they could schedule enough coverage but was told that the only way I could use my days was to wait until the last minute and call in sick.

If your job gives you vacation time, your boss can not prevent you from using it unless there is a clear and convincing business reason-----like the week you want to take off coincides with the company's busiest week and they need you at work.  But, you should be able to use it at some point or get paid off for it.  Check with your HR department for your company's details.

In the future, don't provide a reason when you ask for time off.  Personal time should be just that----personal.

Answer 2

Just keep lying, but do a better job of it for peats sake.