My manager just told me I cannot have my pre-approved vacation because two people quit this week. I already paid for the flights and the hotel. They said if I do not show up, it is considered a voluntary resignation. I have been there three years and never called out once. Is it time to just walk away and find a place that actually respects a signed time-off request, or is this just the reality of the industry right now?

I had a similar experience when I worked at Spar.
My manager & a supervisor were in the office & I said I needed the Monday off as my flight could land late.
My manager said it was fine & that the supervisor would cover.
On that Monday I had a phone call from my manager & he said that if I wasn’t coming in for my shift he would discipline me.
When I mentioned the meeting we had,had he denied that we had,had it.
When I stood my ground & said I wouldn’t be in & that the supervisor was my witness plus a few other things he soon backed down.

If it’s all been pre approved your manager & you’ve got proof then they can’t do anything.

That’s there problem not yours.

Their problem is they need cover & haven’t sorted it out for when they need it so they are putting it on you & hoping you will stay & help.

Try & speak to someone in HR about this because the manager is trying to get you to something that is clearly nothing to do with you.

If this is something that you can’t sort out maybe it’s time to look for something else.

You, my friend, have what we call a GoFundMe moment.

The internet will shoot you a quick $20k to quit, simply to ensure the interaction from it amounts to god awful optics for the company, if it’s a brand name people recognize — you’re as good as gold, with no reason to feel bad for doing it either.

That has absolutely nothing to do with you and I am really sorry to hear that your manger did that. Sounds to me like it is time to find something new. On to bigger and better things.

That’s really unfair—three years of perfect attendance and a pre-approved vacation should count for something. It’s not just “industry reality”; it’s poor management. Definitely worth weighing your options and considering a place that respects commitments and boundaries.

Document everything from the date of your request and everything that has led up to this
Inform your manager that your agreement was in place before these people quit. Tell him that you already have paid for your flights and are expected to go on your trip.
Document everything and upon your return , if you don't have your job, file for unemployment and inform him that you will contact legal representation

If it was already approved, that’s on them. They better find coverage. I’d clarify their policy as well, if they can deny previously approved PTO. Walk away and don’t look back. That move is a HUGE red flag on their part, especially if they didn’t offer to cover the cost of cancellations

HR

Hi,
First of all you have your rights.You could take the higher road and say u getting lawyer and see if this is legal what they doing.And I m telling u they can’t fire you for going on holiday that is been approved.Its nothing to do with you that 2 people quit.How long have u been working for this company?Remember u have your rights and I wouldn’t let them bully and treating me this way

During our weekly sales meeting I reminded everyone at least 3 times that I would be travelling on xxx days to support a show out of town. I also put this in our meeting notes. I travelled to the town, booked into my hotel and noticed the red light flashing on the phone. Numerous messages to call the office. I called, spoke to my boss who told me I did not receive his permission, do not check into the hotel and return home immediately. Who did I think I was, I have to ask him, he runs the show, etc etc. I was in tears as I didn’t even want to work this show, he said nothing during the sales meeting plus there was a snowstorm and I didn’t want to drive in it but felt I had to, no excuses. He backed down when I started crying and told me to stay. Everyone in the office commiserated with me upon my return and it was never brought up again. Go on your vacation and don’t look back. If they can cut you loose after already losing 2 employees then they’re idiots and I find it hard to believe. They will resent you but keep working while you find another job.

No not these days, which is more Important to You? Having an income or the Trip and No Income when You get back? Cause just take a good look on here and see how many of us are struggling to get a Job now. Where do You work let Me know cause if You don't want Your Job I might want it.

If someone asked manager approved vacation worker can't say nothing is the law that set they have we scheduled another approved

So sorry to hear you are having these difficulties. If you work for a larger retail company then you may have protections. Do you have your emails or written documentation that your vacation time was approved? Does your company have a policy book that addresses vacation time? Can you appeal to HR and seek their help? Also, how far into the future is your vacation? Is it months away? They should be able to hire employees within that time frame before your vacation. Managers and supervisors don’t want to have to cover that time themselves, so they jump the gun and try to cancel an employee’s vacation. Again check with your HR if you work for a larger company . This action could be breaking with policy or even the law. Jobs can be challenging to find, but if this cannot be resolved, I hope you find a new position that will value and respect you as an employee.