Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    rinks361's Avatar
    rinks361 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 7, 2015, 01:25 PM
    Can HR dock your PTO and give you an attendance point when you call off/request off?
    An issue at our employer seems pretty unfair. Currently when an employee calls off sick or requests a day off, HR automatically gives you an attendance point for calling off and also takes your paid time off you've accumulated. Also, when an employee requests off and uses PTO to cover it, we still end up getting an attendance point. If you get 10 attendance points in a 6 month period, you get terminated.

    We, as employees, have no choice or option to not have our PTO taken when we call off sick so we essentially never get any real vacation time. We also can't request days off as that also gives you points that work against you even though they pre-approve your normal requests to use your PTO.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
     
    #2

    Oct 7, 2015, 03:08 PM
    There are federal Dept of Labor laws (for major issues only, such as overtime and civil rights), there are state labor laws, and there is company policy. Companies can be private or government. Companies can have employees in unions or not. Companies don't have to have company policy, but if they do, they need to make it known such as in a handbook, so that they treat people equally.

    I suspect that your employer does have the policy you state HR is doing, and that it's legal. PTO is a perk. You didn't work for it. It comes with strings attached. The strings sound very clear.
    Since 2007-08, many employers have been losing money, and they cut way back on perks and bennies.
    Ask for a copy of the policy.
    Also check with your state. Many people don't realize that sick days are not mandated by the gov't, and some states are starting to change that.
    But be forewarned that calling in sick isn't what it used to be either. You may have to provide details and proof.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Oct 7, 2015, 03:18 PM
    You have whats called combined leave time, I have worked several places like that. You get it all as vacation if you don't call off sick. Not everyone gets sick and a lot of people schedule doctors and dentist visits on Saturdays or before or after work hours. (I've done that for over 20 years) Its your choice how its used. And in the 35 years I've worked... you aren't allowed to take take unpaid time off by choice anyplace I've been employed.

    And everyplace I've worked in the last 35 years you can be fired for taking excessive sick time, and have seen it happen to a number of people.

    Employers can plan in advance for coverage for scheduled vacations... they get screwed when people call off with no notice too often.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
     
    #4

    Oct 7, 2015, 04:31 PM
    I'm not clear what "calling off" means. But if you are allotted PTO (paid time off?) they should not be allowed to penalize for using it. However, if you are required to give advance notice for using PTO and don't, then it may be reasonable to do so.

    Bottom line, if the policy is written and applied to all employees equally, its probably legal. Employers are not required (in the US) to give paid time off at all.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #5

    Oct 7, 2015, 07:01 PM
    Where is your company based?
    rinks361's Avatar
    rinks361 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #6

    Oct 9, 2015, 09:25 AM
    It's based out of Cleveland, OH.

    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    I'm not clear what "calling off" means. But if you are allotted PTO (paid time off?) they should not be allowed to penalize for using it. However, if you are required to give advance notice for using PTO and don't, then it may be reasonable to do so.

    Bottom line, if the policy is written and applied to all employees equally, its probably legal. Employers are not required (in the US) to give paid time off at all.
    Calling off is essentially calling in sick, having a doctors appointment scheduled, taking a vacation or just wanting to use your PTO. With calling off, 4 days equals one occurrence even if it's PTO or requested vacation time. Being late is half an occurrence. Calling in sick is one occurrence. Pre-scheduled time off requested for doctors office visits (which in my case I have a lot due to a cancer diagnosis) counts as one occurrence. 10 occurrences in a 6 month rolling period equals immediate termination.

    Quote Originally Posted by joypulv View Post
    There are federal Dept of Labor laws (for major issues only, such as overtime and civil rights), there are state labor laws, and there is company policy. Companies can be private or government. Companies can have employees in unions or not. Companies don't have to have company policy, but if they do, they need to make it known such as in a handbook, so that they treat people equally.

    I suspect that your employer does have the policy you state HR is doing, and that it's legal. PTO is a perk. You didn't work for it. It comes with strings attached. The strings sound very clear.
    Since 2007-08, many employers have been losing money, and they cut way back on perks and bennies.
    Ask for a copy of the policy.
    Also check with your state. Many people don't realize that sick days are not mandated by the gov't, and some states are starting to change that.
    But be forewarned that calling in sick isn't what it used to be either. You may have to provide details and proof.
    Even with details and proof (doctors note, copay receipt, etc) we still receive an occurrence and have our PTO docked.
    talaniman's Avatar
    talaniman Posts: 54,327, Reputation: 10855
    Expert
     
    #7

    Oct 9, 2015, 10:05 AM
    Of course it's legal and fair since a company has to pay you for not being there and someone to do the work you aren't doing. It's a perk of the job, administered at company discretion. You could try unpaid time off or formal sick leave, and maybe get different results.

    Doesn't hurt to ask, or consult your employee handbook/HR. Manage your benefits carefully, and good luck with your illness.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
     
    #8

    Oct 9, 2015, 01:42 PM
    Is there a PTO allotment? I.E. each employee is given x # of days per year? If there is an you get an "occurrence" for using it, that is strange. However, if there is no allotted amount then it makes perfect sense. And, again, as long as the policy is applied across the board it is not a problem.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

My 21 year old daughter stays out all night and does not respect our request to call. [ 16 Answers ]

My daughter stays out all night with her friends, she is 21 years old goes to school and works part-time. All I ask is that she calls to let us know when she'll be home and where she is. I just want to know she is safe and not dead in a ditch somewhere. She refuses to call stating she is 21...

Break up or Call up? (need a woman's point of view) [ 12 Answers ]

My ex and I parted ways last year without an official goodbye, but a quick conversation after she got herself into financial straits and two kids at home - and just said: "I think I need to work this out on my own..." I sucked it up and didn't say a word other than I loved her. I went by the...

Should I give up on my ex at this point? [ 2 Answers ]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site and I've never actually used anything like this before. But I figured I would post my story to see if you have any advice regarding my situation with my ex boyfriend. We dated for a little over year, and he was my first real love. In the beginning of February he...

Dock Pay for two days.Assumed Dock? [ 6 Answers ]

I was docked for two days and I was there at work, working. I cannot believe the STATE would authorize this, and I won't be "walked all over upon" This really screwed me up because it made my check SHORT... they pulled and turned it around within 4-5 business days, but missed my Pre-Scheduled...


View more questions Search