Can my employer force me to use my vacation time during jury duty?

Question

I live in Ohio and am wondering if my employer can force me to take vacation time while on jury duty. I would appreciate any attorneys or other legal experts to identify themselves as such.

Answer 1

I believe that's illegal.  They can require that you give them the pay you received for the days you were on jury duty, then they pay you full salary for those days.

Answer 2

No they cannot and I would not volunteer.  If they insist, put in for vacation in writing and get it denied in writing.  This is a Dept of Labor issue.

Answer 3

It is my experience that some companies will pay your salary during jury duty, and others won't.  If they won't, I suppose you could use vacation or go without pay.

When you are called for jury duty, you can tell them the company won't pay you and you can't afford to lose the time.  This may influence the court to excuse you, though it is not obligated to.

Answer 4

No way! Most employers will pay you for jury duty, if they make you use vacation time they are in direct violation with the labor laws, and you can get them in big trouble for that.

Answer 5

Well if he stops paying you while you are on jury duty,  you could ask for vacation pay. Most employers don't pay for jury duty, those who do limit the time, if you go over that time, you don't get paid, they don't lay you off either if you do serve with out pay.

Answer 6

They Cannot require you to do so! If you are not paid during jury duty, contact your HR department, and then consult a lawyer.

Answer 7

Judges frown on this practice, and I take it from this article that it is against the law. Call your local National Labor Relations Board and file a complaint if your employer insists on following this practice. One call from them, and your employer will change their stance on the issue. Whether or not your employer is required to give you your normal pay while you serve depends on the state you live in. I don't know about Ohio. Good luck.

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