My employer shuts down the office over the winter holiday for one week. All employees are required to take this time off as part of their vacation time, which leaves us only with one week to take as we please. Is this legal? I have worked at other places that shut down for the holidays, but it was additional to the two weeks paid vacation. Can they require everyone to take vacation at the same time? Thanks.

My employer shuts down the office over the winter holiday for one week. All employees are required to take this time off as part of their vacation time, which leaves us only with one week to take as we please. Is this legal? I have worked at other places that shut down for the holidays, but it was additional to the two weeks paid vacation. Can they require everyone to take vacation at the same time? Thanks.

The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations. These benefits are a matter of agreement between an employer and an employee. Therefore, the employer can determine the timing of vacation leave for the employees and can require everyone to take vacation at the same time.