I am a truck driver from NY. My employee refuses to give me and my coworkers vacation time. I dont really care if it has to be paid or unpaid. I just need 1 week vacation to go visit my family back home. I've asked many times for this and the answer i get

I am a truck driver from NY. My employee refuses to give me and my coworkers vacation time. I dont really care if it has to be paid or unpaid. I just need 1 week vacation to go visit my family back home. I've asked many times for this and the answer i get is either accept no vacation at all or quit the job. Is this legal?

2 answers  |  asked Jul 14, 2016 10:47 PM [EST]  |  applies to New York

Answers (2)

V Jonas Urba
Yes. Unless you have a definite term contract of employment (i.e. July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2017) which entitles you to vacation time, or you work for the government which federal, state, or local legislative bodies require employees to receive vacation, or your union negotiated vacation for all of its members in a collective bargaining agreement, you have NO right to any vacation.

Citizens of other countries, especially Europe, are shocked to learn this. Many countries provide their citizens with weeks if not months of paid vacation but not the good ole USA. In your industry they can't find enough reliable employees to drive. Jump ship to a company which values time off.

posted by V Jonas Urba  |  Jul 17, 2016 09:05 AM [EST]
Jim Barna
Truck Driver, thanks for the question.
With regard to employment In New York, there are statutes that regulate things like wages, working conditions, and medical leave. But with regard to many employee benefits, such as vacation, sick leave, and retirement benefits, the statutes do not require that these be provided. Most employers provide these benefits because they know that they compete with other business to attract and keep employees. This is particularly true in the transportation industry, where growing companies often provide comprehensive benefits to attract employees.
Your employer is not required to provide vacation time, paid or unpaid; but you don't need to stay at an employer that doesn't provide paid vacation. Start looking at your options and get a better job. There are many truck driver jobs available in New York.

posted by Jim Barna  |  Jul 15, 2016 06:17 AM [EST]

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