Is vacation time deferrable?

Can an employee accumulate vacation time from one year to the next? It depends. Supply Room Attendant Barbara Cotrell approached her supervisor's desk. "Mike and I have decided to take an around-the-world cruise next year.

By Raymond Dreyfack June 1, 1999

Can an employee accumulate vacation time from one year to the next? It depends.

Supply Room Attendant Barbara Cotrell approached her supervisor’s desk. “Mike and I have decided to take an around-the-world cruise next year.”

“Sounds like a great idea. Hey, you’re talking about 6 wk or more. Are you planning to quit?”

“Nope. What I’d like to do is defer this year’s vacation for 1 yr.”

Maintenance foreman Jim Ransom stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I hate to shatter your dreams, Barb, but a clause in the labor agreement states…” He pulled the contract from a desk drawer and read: “‘Vacations are not cumulative and must be taken or paid for within a 12-mo period of being earned’.”

“What page is that on?”

“Page 128.”

“Okay, turn to page 131.”

Ransom did so and read: “‘Employees with 12 or more years of service may defer their vacation time for not more than 1 yr, provided written application is made and approved in advance’.”

Barbara grinned. “That’s me. Thirteen years as of June 6th.” She handed over the application.

Question: Do you think the reason for Barbara’s request is valid enough to warrant approval?

Jensen’s verdict: Ransom showed the application to his boss, Plant Engineer Arthur Jensen. The executive scanned down the letter and initialed the request. He told Ransom wistfully, “Ask her if I can carry her bags.”