Can Employer Change Vacation Policy California?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever wondered if your employer can change the vacation policy in California? The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just changing it overnight. There are certain rules and regulations that employers must follow when making changes to vacation policies.

Understanding California’s Vacation Policy
In California, vacation time is considered earned wages, which means it’s a part of an employee’s compensation package. Employers are required to provide their employees with paid vacation time. The number of paid days off varies based on the length of employment and the company’s policy.

Can Employers change Vacation Policy?
Yes, employers can change their vacation policies in California. However, there are certain legal requirements that they must follow before making any changes.

Firstly, employers must provide their employees with notice before making any changes to the vacation policy. This notice must be given at least 90 days before the changes take effect.

Secondly, any changes made to the vacation policy should not impact the employee’s already earned and accrued vacation time. Employees should be allowed to use their already earned and accrued time under the previous policy.

Thirdly, employers must ensure that any new policy complies with state law. For example, they cannot create a new policy that limits or prohibits an employee from taking their earned vacation time.

Lastly, it is important to note that once an employee accrues vacation time under a specific policy, it cannot be taken away or reduced retroactively by a new policy.

    What Happens If Employer Changes Vacation Policy?

  • If there are significant changes made to the vacation policy such as reducing or eliminating accrued hours for long term employees then this may be unlawful.
  • Employees who have already accrued hours under the old policy should still be able to use these hours even if they do not meet new requirements.
  • If an employer does make a change that negatively impacts an employee’s earned vacation time, the employee may have legal recourse and should consult with an employment attorney.

Conclusion

Employers in California can change their vacation policies, but they must do so in compliance with state law. Employees should be given notice of any changes, and any accrued vacation time under the old policy should not be taken away retroactively. If you have concerns about changes to your employer’s vacation policy, it is important to consult with an employment attorney to understand your rights under the law.