TX: Can employers require me to use my accrued PTO to cover a an optional team building meeting lasting two days & away from home?

Disclaimer: I am licensed only in Ohio and therefore cannot provide a legal answer. If you were in Ohio, I believe that the answer is that an employer can require you to use up vacation for any time away from work. For example, an employer who shuts down a factory for two weeks during the holidays can require employees to use vacation time to cover it. Employees do not like it, but the law does not prohibit it. Therefore, if in Ohio, an employer can probably require its employees to use vacation time for optional company events. If the event is mandatory, though, you would have an argument that you should be paid like any other workday.

Federal anti-discrimination law protects family caregivers from discrimination based on family care obligations. Employers should therefore be sensitive about interfering with family obligations.

Before you bring this up with your employer, though, I highly recommend that you consult with an employment lawyer. There are retaliation issues to consider. You can find Texas employment lawyers in MEL's directory. Another good source is the Texas Employment Lawyer's Association website, https://www.mytela.org/index.cfm?pg=findalawyer.

posted by Neil Klingshirn  |  Aug 8, 2019 08:17 AM [EST]