I have worked as a clerk in a gas station for 5 years. This is the first year I haven't gotten a paid vacation. I am going to Colorado to visit family I haven't seen in 8 years. I put in for two weeks vacation back in February to get my vacation at the end of August. Now my boss is telling me that I WILL be on the schedule for one of those weeks. I am not asking for a paid vacation. I just want to go see my mom and come back to work. Is it legal for her to fire me or consider me a quit if I take my whole two weeks?

Also, she keeps telling us that she is going to start firing people over drive-offs. Is that legal?

Thank you for your help!

There is no state in which the employee has the legal right to take time off (paid or otherwise) without the employer's permission.

Neither is there any law in any state which prohibits the employer from discharging employees for drive-offs. Now, if the employer were trying to deduct the drive-off amount from your PAY, that would be a problem.

Also, she keeps telling us that she is going to start firing people over drive-offs. Is that legal?

That is legal, but not the best approach to the problem. It is a lot better to simply not allow anyone to fill up without paying at the pump with a card or going inside to pre-pay. This avoids having to keep hiring new folks all the time.