Can employers punish employees legally acting as personal representatives?

[auroracmd]

Colorado. I am the only family of my great uncle in the area and am also executor and durable power of attorney. My great uncle died yesterday which required me to take today off to handle his affairs and make funeral arrangements. My employer informed me that they do not consider my great uncle to be a close enough relation for death benefits and will write me up for the time I missed. Can my employer legally do this when I had to take the day off to fulfill my legal obligations to my great uncle?

 

[Zigner]

Colorado. I am the only family of my great uncle in the area and am also executor and durable power of attorney. My great uncle died yesterday which required me to take today off to handle his affairs and make funeral arrangements. My employer informed me that they do not consider my great uncle to be a close enough relation for death benefits and will write me up for the time I missed. Can my employer legally do this when I had to take the day off to fulfill my legal obligations to my great uncle?

Yep, they sure can.

 

[cbg]

Employers are not required to give time off for bereavement or related issues at all. They get to decide what family members, if any, they want to provide it for.

It's a shame they were not more understanding of your situation but they did not violate any laws.

 

[Free_Advice]

Yep, they sure can.

I agree. And will not require a citation either (taking it easy today yuck yuck yuck).

Great uncle? He is not even a blood line relative.