Is it legal for an employer to refuse time off to attend a sibling’s funeral?
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Is it legal for an employer to refuse time off to attend a sibling’s funeral?
My only brother died from injuries received in a car accident and my boss would not give time off to fly to new mexico for the funeral.
Asked on June 6, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
There is no legal right to bereavement leave. The fact is that a company can set the terms of employment much as it sees fit; this includes denying a worker time off to attend a family member's funeral. This holds true unless such action violates company policy, the terms of a union agreement or employment contract. Also, this treatment must not constitute some form of legally actionable discrimination.
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