Forced losses?!

[Dtrouble]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois
We have been short staffed since 4/09. The company(non profit) state we have to use vacation hrs. or lose them. They just hired someone 12/1and I’ve been denied because they cant afford to pay anyone overtime. I have 58hrs. to use before 12/31/09. can they force me to lose my vacation time? Also the handbook states we will receive 30minute paid break, they are now deducting 30 minutes off our check for everyday we work because funds are short. Is this legal?

 

[pattytx]

I'm not sure what approving your vacation and the employer not being able to afford overtime have to do with each other.

According to my source, vacation is not unconditionally vested in Illinois. You can contact the state Dept. of Labor to confirm.

Relative to your "break", I'm assuming you mean a meal period. Illinois law requires one of at least 20 minutes if you work at least 7.5 hours in the work day. If you do not get to take the meal period, you must be paid for the time (I'm assuming you are a nonexempt employee). If you aren't going to be paid for working through lunch, then don't work through lunch.
http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/faq/qaodrisa.htm
http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/ESA/Title_29/Part_785/29CFR785.19.htm