Are unpaid days off the new trend?

[GREENBACK]

My employer has just cut hours back to 35. What they are doing is switching us over to 5 7hr work days instea of 8 hour. They are also encouraging people to take unpaid vacation.

Okay, cutting back on your hours is one thing but are you still considered a full time employee that is eligible for all the benefits that a full time employee would get? That would be my greatest concern.

How exactly do they "encourage" unpaid vacation. If my hours were cut like that the last thing I'd want is unpaid vacation time.

[Hot dog]

At my job as long as you are employed for over 30 hrs a week you get benefits although your sick and vacation time accumulate at a reduced rate.

[PrincessPerky]

Since my husband never gets paid vacation or sick days, I really am lacking in sympathy. (so for say Christmas he had to work late the days before to be able to take home a full check that week)

Though I do see cutting hours to remove the need for health benefits as a problem.

[tripods68]

Unfortunately, I'm one of the state employees affected by this two-days furlough that the Governator instituted last month. We are receiving 9.3% reduction from our gross starting next month which supposedly to continue for 17 months unless we got a new budget deal. I'll lose about $316 a month. Our health coverage, retirement pension, or annual merit increase will not be affected. Our Union is figting this through the appeal process. No one is immune by any means in this tough economy and still very lucky we all have jobs still...at least cross my fingers.

[cschin4]

Honestly, I never minded taking unpaid days. I like having time off. Instead of looking at it in the negative, why not take advantage of it? Yes, less money. But, more time. In life, I find you either get time or you get money and most people rarely ever get both. For me, I make a decent income. I could work FT if I wanted to but I don't want to as I prefer to have time for myself and family. So, if the hours get cut and you still have the health insurance than take advantage of the free time you always wanted before but never had.
Also, I think the economy has changed. I think eventually everyone will be basically "part time". So, consider looking for some side jobs where you can easily pick up some extra work.

[TBH]

I've heard that in France they combat a job shortage by having a mandatory 30-hour work week. Fewer hours for all, but jobs for more people.

[tripods68]

Believe me, I'm not complaining. I actually don't mind being furlough if this is whats needed. Extra days spent with my kids and some projects I'd proscastinated can't be that starting this Friday. DW is contemplating to work extra days OT being RN on days i'm furloughed. We'll actually make more since she makes twice my income.

[NeedaDollar]

I work for the state of Maryland and we had to take two days off unpaid if you made less than 40,000 then 4 days for 40- 60,000 then up to 6. I'd rather do that than lose my job.+

Some people here in California are complaining about the 2 days off, but like you said, its only 2 days compared to not working at all.

[Cylenchar]

Okay, cutting back on your hours is one thing but are you still considered a full time employee that is eligible for all the benefits that a full time employee would get? That would be my greatest concern.

How exactly do they "encourage" unpaid vacation. If my hours were cut like that the last thing I'd want is unpaid vacation time.

Many companies have to get below 32 hrs a week for you not to be considered a full time employee, and you have to remain below 32 for something like 6 weeks to be disqualified for benefits. I believe that this can also be lowered to under 30 hrs a week, but I am not sure.

As to how the 'encourage' they told us that if you wanted to take time off and not use PTO or vacation time (so you have more for later in the year) they would allow it. Well this always has been the rule here, they made sure everyone was aware of this.

[DebbieL]

Since my husband never gets paid vacation or sick days, I really am lacking in sympathy. (so for say Christmas he had to work late the days before to be able to take home a full check that week)

Though I do see cutting hours to remove the need for health benefits as a problem.

Wow, really? Here in Canada that's not even legal. All employers have to provide a minimum of 4% vacation pay (2 weeks/year), and after you've worked there five years it goes up to 6%. In reality, most jobs I've had give you more than that. Employers must also pay for stat holidays (whether you work or not that day). If you work a stat holiday then you must be paid double (and sometimes more), or receive a different paid day off.
If you are working as a temporary (contract) basis, or casual worker (on-call) you get paid your vacation pay (and any other benefits) on each paycheque, as opposed to a regular employee who accumulates them.

[Hellkat]

I'm an R.N. and have worked LTC for years....this past month in a half with beds being empty, they are making people go home in order to save budget. I sense something isn't right, I've been there 5yrs and I've been capped at my rate...they say I make a management rate and that's it...alot of nervous folks even in healthcare.....it's a ripple effect.