:confused: I've worked at my job for 6 years, not thinking about my vacation time after the year was over they would always tell me, You didn't use it so you lose it. Can they do this? I've taken maybe 5 weeks vacation time all together being owed another 6 weeks. Is there any way to get this back or did I definatly lose this? I don't want to sue or anything I just want to get what I feel I've earned. Please help

The state of Massachusetts technically does not permit use it or lose it plans; however there can be exceptions depending on exactly how the plan is set up.

In your shoes I would give the state AG's office a call and see what they say. IF your company's vacation plan is not set up in such a way as to make use it or lose it acceptable, they are the ones with whom you would file a complaint.

How would i get a number to call this? is there a web site to go on that you know of?

I don't have the phone number handy but look in the Boston phone book under State Government and look for the AG's Fair Employment Hotline.

CBG's right. Use it or lose it policies are acceptable in MA, but the language can sometimes be tricky, and courts typically resolve amiguities in the employee's favor, as they did in the 2003 Electronic Data Systems Corporation case.

You can find the Attorney General's guidelines on vacation policies at http://www.ago.state.ma.us/filelibrary/vacadv.pdf.

You can also call the AG at 617-727-3465. If you're not in Boston, just go to the AG's website and you'll find other info. Here's a link http://www.ago.state.ma.us/sp.cfm?pageid=969

If they've always told you its a "use it or lose it policy", then you probably don't have much of a case, but you won't know for sure until you sort through all the facts and match them up with the law.