:( I was terminated last week after 16 1/2 years of faithful service. I had accrued over 54 hours of PTO (which includes vacation, holidays and sick leave). The company refuses to pay me for this time. Can I do anything at all about this, if there is a written policy stating termination must be voluntary with proper notice? I think my termination was unwarranted, but that's an issue to take up with Unemployment, if and when (which I'm sure they will) I am penalized. I sure do need the money! Thanks

All SC law requires is that the employer comply with its own policy. If the policy excludes payment of PTO if the employee is discharged, or state that payment will be made only if certain circumstances apply, the law will not require payment in contradiction of the policy.

BTW, even if you are granted UI benefits, that would not affect the characterization of your termination for PTO payout purposes. The UI agency is charged only determining whether or not you were discharged for a reason that would disallow the granting of benefits; that's all.

I'll let the moderator handle your not-so-subtle solicitation.

But, the law in SC is exactly as I stated it. There is no absolute right to accrued PTO at termination in SC.

Consider it handled.