Should a tropical storm day be charged as a vacation day by employer?

Question

I skipped work two days ago, due to tropical storm Edouard. I was one of four other employees that didn't show up to work. Everyone else that showed up either lives close to work or in an area that wasn't affected much. I had to make a decision not to come to work based on the forecast from news reports and I figured it was best for me and my family to stay home. It is fair to be charged a vacation day?

Answer 1

"Vacation day" isn't always the best term.  Paid Personal Absence is better.  Often it's used for vacations, but it's really to cover any need you have to take time off.   They can't force you to charge it as a vacation day, but they could count it as unpaid absence if you don't.

Whether your situation could be covered by something like paid sick time would depend on your company's policies. That could be another option though.  

Really your only option is to check with your company's HR department.

Answer 2

It was just raining. I was there.

But you took off.