Restaurant employee gets denied vacation even though she had approved time off by management, she tries to fix it, but the union rep is on vacation: 'Ever since one of my coworkers got fired, we've been working 6-day weeks and doing two people's jobs.'

Author image for María Cetra
María Cetra • Writer
Jul 6, 2026 5:15 PM EDT

What would you do in this case?

​What would you do if you asked for time off in early June and got approved? But when the time comes, you realize you are scheduled to work during some days of your holiday week. At least some kind of frustration would be felt. Especially when you decide to tell your boss, thinking maybe it was a mistake, only to realize that management is just pretending they never approved the time off in the first place. And to just make it worse, after you complained, your boss decided to schedule for the other days that you were also going to be out. This is not only illegal but also proof of the awful environment this Reddit user works in. To deny approval for time off is not allowed, but every time she starts looking for a way to save her holiday, she gets hit with more obstacles.

She tried to contact the union representative, but it almost seemed like a joke. The union rep is on vacation, so they can't solve her issue directly. She now has to go through a bigger entity only to check if they are even able to help her. The start of her time off is just around the corner. She has the reservations for her holiday, and it's all being put on hold because of a bad boss.

She received some advice to just quit. Or at least go on the trip anyway and see if she's able to save her job after. This is also influenced by the fact that this employee is also getting overworked normally. Since one worker quit, all the staff have been working 6 days a week and more hours than they should (she's actually part-time).

In my opinion, she should be getting out of that job ASAP. First, enjoy the vacation, and when she comes back, start looking for something else. This kind of environment is unacceptable, and she deserves a better place to work. Also, if she can place some kind of demand with the union to avoid this happening to somebody else, that would be the right thing to do.

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  • 01
    I'm actually so irritated. I'm part time at a grocery store and requested 5 days off for a vacation back in early June before the deadline. My manager approved every day, so I made plans and I'm going to be out of state. Then the schedule came out and I was scheduled on my approved days off. I even left my manager a note letting him know, and instead of fixing it, he added me
    via m1kqq
  • 02
    A cook working at a restaurant, model image.
    via Pylyp Sukhenko

    A cook working at a restaurant, model image. 

  • 03
    to two more of my approved days off. Ever since one of my coworkers got fired, we've been working 6- day weeks and doing two people's jobs even though I'm part time. I don't get how approved time off can just be ignored like this. this up. rep about my manager messing Update: You genuinely can't make I emailed my union
    via m1kqq
  • 04
    with my approved vacation, and his assistant replied saying my union rep is... on vacation. At least someone gets to enjoy their approved time off. They told me to meet with a union steward and file a grievance, so that's my next step. I'll keep everyone updated.
    via m1kqq
  • 05
    m1kqq Update #2: You genuinely can't make this up. I emailed my union rep about my manager messing with my approved vacation, and his assistant replied saying my union rep is... on vacation. At least someone gets to enjoy their approved time off. They told me to meet with a union steward and file a grievance, so that's my next step. I'll keep everyone updated.
    via m1kqq
  • 06
    A beach with sand, palms, and a deck chair.
    via Upgraded Points

    A beach with sand, palms, and a deck chair. 

  • 07
    teresajs "Manager, the schedule shows me as having shifts on List Dates. I won't be at work Lost Date Ranges due to having approved PTO. See attached for my approvals. I have made non- refundable travel plans so can't make changes. Please make appropriate changes to your schedule."
    via m1kqq
  • 08
    vikingraider27 If you have a record of the approved time off, tell him he needs to fix the schedule or you'll send the problem up the chain to someone who will. If he mentions how shorthanded they are, tell him that is a hiring issue, which is not your problem, and it's on him to solve it, not the part-time staff.
    via m1kqq
  • 09
    ophaus I've quit two jobs because of this exact nonsense. Restaurants, too, so the manager said "you have to find coverage!" Idiots.
    via m1kqq
  • 10
    NYC-WhWmn-ov50 "Reminder I WILL NOT BE HERE on the following dates: / to /. You previously approved, and plans are set that will not be changed. I have told you this X times. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
    via m1kqq
  • 11
    Copy all other managers and if necessary, corporate. No debate, no negotiation. You will not be working, and nothing else. That is enough legal documentation to back up a wrongful termination if needed.
    via m1kqq
  • 12
    ThrobbinRob83 It is a part time job at a grocery store. Quit today.
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  • 13
    Ok_Rush_2800 Maybe he didn't realize or maybe he's a either way you are entitled to your holidays especially after they were approved. Take them and enjoy them
    via m1kqq
  • 14
    Vivid-Win-4801 Literally just go on your vacation. Put the phone on do not disturb. Leave a message for HR before you go. Don't look at any work emails or answer anything until you come back. Grieve it as workplace bu ying and harassment when you get back.
    via m1kqq
  • 15
    BrickHuge3023 When it is time for your trip, tell him bye and go if you have the approval in writing. May get fired but sounds like not a great place to work people over like that.
    via m1kqq
  • 16
    Beneficial_Surround3 1. Star looking for a new job, NOW 2. Do whatever the h I you want that you think you can get away with for as long as you think you can get away with it until you get that new job and then double down
    via m1kqq
  • 17
    Red-Sun-Cinema It's a part time job. He approved your vacation. Take it. If he whines, quit. No drama.
    via m1kqq
  • 18
    Usual_Bumblebee_8274 Nope. Tell him your time was already approved, plans already made & money already paid out. You are taking your approved time. I've quit over stuff like this. It's not your fault. The manager can work those days If he can't keep help
    via m1kqq

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workplace-stories time off union bad bosses
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