Boss' new vacation policy

[punk-a-doodle]

First thing I'd do is ask the reasoning and then suggest a better way to meet the goal. I doubt this is an enforceable policy though, and I would look into your rights. Especially because even the company policy differs (I believe that a boss can not trump company policy, is this correct anyone?).

 

[redhen]

A lot of jobs have vacation restrictions during holiday times... It does suck though.

 

[twentynine]

I am not allowed any read that as ZERO days of vacation during the week of Thanksgiving from Sunday prior to Sunday following. And I am allowed ZERO days of vacation from Dec 15th to Jan 3rd, every year.

So I think your being limited to 5 days is a real hoot.

In my job I have worked just about two out of every three Thanksgivings, and three out of every five Christmass.

I am going to let you in on a little secret-----------------

The Boss, he ain't always right, but no matter what, he's always the Boss.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

Quote:
Rule #1 The boss is always right
Rule #2 In case of doubt see rule # 1

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
An employer cannot tell someone they cannot work elsewhere during vacation time. They CAN say they can't work THERE though.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

This may not apply to this particular situation, and is a personal opinion. But, just because a topic of this nature comes up so often, I think it is important to know that ultimately, you are the one who will determine where you work and the perceived correctness of your boss. I've had many, many jobs. Of them, I've only had three bosses I have respected, and two of them are both at my current place of work. My current respectful, appreciative, and happy work atmosphere didn't happen by accident. It took stubborn middle managers (who not surprisingly, came from the working ranks rather than managerial origins) to vocally fight for an enriching and secure atmosphere for their workers and themselves. On my end, it took a heck of a lot of two-week notices to jobs I did not...er...'approve of' to end up applying for one that ended up being the right fit. You hear it all the time:
"Just be lucky you even have a job, some people would kill for that". (Just be lucky you have rotting, E-coli beef, some people are starving. Just be happy you even have a dad. Even if he does abuse you, some people don't have any parents...)
"Don't cause waves, you'll only end up drowning."
"The boss/customer/corporation is always right."
"Just work hard and it will be recognized/be it's own reward." (...oof)
It was scary the first time I quit a job. Then, I realized that life went on (actually, got better), and I wasn't black listed from applying anywhere ever again, even though that can feel like a logical outcome if you come from a background of perceived hierarchies, being docile, and doing as told. I have had to write tons of cover letters and resumes already in my life...but I definitely don't regret the loss of paper.

 

[Unclebean]

I understand at times the "boss" may have a reason to limit vacation time being scheduled. What bothers me the most is fall/winter is our slowest time of the year. In fact the company has a big lay-off during this time of the year! It's not an issue of too many employees taking off because all vacation time must be approved at least 30 days in advance so the boss can limit how many people are taking off.

 

[krcote]

Stinks for you, but he has made a very reasonable business decision that will aid in the success of the company, therefore continuing to provide you with a job.

 

[KenK]

Quote:
The terms of my job specify that I can't work elsewhere. In this state anyway, you can be fired for any reason or no reason. Moonlighting would get me fired.

We are also not allowed to take vacation from February 1 through April 15, January vacation time is discouraged but occasionally allowed. The bottom line is that the work has to come before vacation.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Our company implemented this as well for the same reason. Everyone was wanting to take off at the same time of year. During the month of Decemeber is extermely hectic for us and we are closing out books and wrapping up things, so during this time (Decemeber), we are not allowed to take off for a week or so. A day is ok but taking a vacation in the month of December is not allowable.

Just a policy for us to keep things running smooth so that we can all have a job in January of the next year.