Question:
Do most people have to use vacation time, or is it just sick leave?
I've only got two weeks of vacation. We don't have a set policy on sick leave. I'd appreciate any feedback on the best way to handle this with your employer. — David U. (posted on July 6, 2001)
July 6, 2001
I didn't use any vacation time. I had some sick time, and then my company
has an "extended illness bank". I went back to work after about 3
weeks, then came down with complications that put me out again for 2 1/2
weeks. My company (Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation) was kind enough to advance me
sick time, which I'm still paying back. Many companies try to be as
accomodating as possible, as they know the unexpected can happen. Good luck
to you!
— Susan S.
July 6, 2001
I was only off work for one week, so I just used my vacation. I didn't
want to go through the hassel of filing for disibility. I had an easy
recovery and had no problems going back to my desk job after only one week,
but everyone is different.
— Gail M.
July 6, 2001
I was planning on using my sick and vacation together, until I found out
that at my work that is considered "illegal"- I actually had to
file for disability and my work made up the difference in benefits. Please
check to be sure there is not a work or State policy where you're at.... I
don't think of this surgery as elective, nor anything near a
"vacation" and you should not be docked, or "punished"
for a medically nescessary treatment. Now, I know not everyone has
insurance, I am just letting your know what my HR representative told me-
and was much better for me, as I could still take my vacation, as a
VACATION!
— Karen R.
July 6, 2001
I'm planning to take up to 6 weeks off, so I'll be using disability leave.
— careywatkins
July 8, 2001
I would check with your HR person on FMLA. My husband needs it when he's
sick with bronchitis(dsn't get sick time)and then he dsn't have to use his
vacation. We have a neighbor who's getting ready for hip replacement
surgery and he's going to use it. Best of luck
— Linda M.
July 8, 2001
Just wanted to clarify this issue: FMLA provides job protected leave to
people employed by certain employers. There are requirements to be met by
both the employee to be eligible, and the employer to be required to
provide the leave. FMLA does *not* provide paid leave - it only provides 12
weeks of unpaid, job protected leave (meaning your employer cannot
terminate your employment as a result of your certified absence). Sick
leave, disability insurance and then vacation leave can typically be used
in conjunction with FMLA to provide some source of income during your
absence. - Kate -
— kateseidel
July 10, 2001
My employer requires us to be responsible for the first week off (ie.
vacation) but then short-term disability kicks in and they pay 75% of our
regular pay and we can supplement the remaining 25% with vacation time.
— Jill A.
July 10, 2001
Depending on where you work depends on the way it goes. Where I work we
are not offered dissability because I have a high risk job for injury
(Certified Nursing Asst.). My employer isn't allowed to make me use my
vacation or my sick time. I can if I choose to. I will be taking the time
off unpaid and because the doctor and surgeon both say it's med. nec. they
have to allow it. Hope this helps.
— [Anonymous]
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