Can an employer take away vacation as punishment for not completing a timesheet?

Can an employer take away vacation as punishment for not completing a timesheet? I am a salaried, exempt employee in Georgia.

Ann Kiernan replies:

While some states, such as California, say that earned vacation time cannot be forfeited, it looks like that is legal in your state. Neither federal nor Georgia law mandate paid or unpaid vacation time. However, Georgia courts have ruled that an employer’s promise of paid time off (in an employee handbook or otherwise) can be a binding contract.

You may want to consult a local employment attorney for advice. If you do not know one, you can contact your local county bar association for referrals. Good luck.

Posted 11-18-2020

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.