Labor Laws in Alabama.....Vacation Pay.....?

I cannot find any specific information, until we contact the Alabama dept. of Labor, does anyone know what the law is regarding vacation time/pay? My husband has earned over a week of paid vacation (per the handbook signed when he hired on) and his boss is saying he isn't going to give it to him because he doesn't have the money right now...he has been asking for it for quite some time and keeps getting the same response. I believe that by law he has to pay him the money but I am curious what the law says for Alabama. Also, what if he quits or gets fired? Any information, or websites with information, on this specific subject for our state would be GREATLY appreciated.

The employer agreed in his own handbook that he required to be signed by the employee, that after 1 year of employment you would earn 1 week of paid vacation time. Doesn't he have to atleast uphold the "contract" that he agreed to? Surely there is something the labor board would do?? I know the state doesn't require employers to give vacation pay, but if they elect to do so do they not have to honor their agreement?

The only kind of pay legislated by the government is pay for time worked.
Pay for time not worked is up to the sole discretion of the employer and is dictated by the employer's policies not any government legislation.

With vacation pay your employer has to follow the handbook. Does the handbook say that vacation can be cashed out on demand? Sounds like what you are asking for. No state requires an employer to pay vacation pay. "Also, what if he quits or gets fired?" - Again, this should be in the handbook you referenced.

I suspect the book says you earn vacation, not vacation pay. he only has to pay vacation when vacation is earned and taken. At the end of a year you have a weeks of vacation on the books. If your boss approves taking vacation, you can take up to a week and get paid. Nothing requires the boss to grant the vacation request.

There are federal laws, state laws, and company agreements. Federal laws do not guarentee vacation pay. Neither does most states. The rest are company agreements which don't fly in court.

I cannot tell you how many vacations I have lost under these grounds. These "loopholes" must be closed because countless people are abused daily by these "agreements" that appear as "laws".

The below listed website is a start for the Alabama Labor Laws and information.