Does taking a leave of absence mean quitting???

Question

I work as a PT sales associate and I am planning trip out of Canada...it will be for a month...I was thinking of taking a leave of absence but my employer told me that I will have to quit and that leave of absence basicaly entails quitting...I am confused...if leave of absence is quitting than why is it called leave of absence...what is a fine line that differentiates taking a leave of absence from plain old resignation?

Answer 1

Your employer is not correct. Leave of absence means just that. You are taking some time off, but plan on returning. Whereas quitting means you are not returning. I have attached a link to wikipedia that explains leave of absence.

Answer 2

You can request a leave of absence, which would be saying that you want to come back, but your employer doesn't have to grant it except for some very specific circumstances, and wanting to take a trip doesn't qualify. They don't have to just give you time off, even without pay, whenever you want it.

So basically, you asked for a leave of absence, and it was denied, and your employer said, not unreasonably, that if you weren't going to come to work when you're supposed to, then you will be considered to have quit.

Answer 3

A leave of absence is not quitting however, you may not qualify for a leave of absence. If you are a part time associate chances are you do not qualify for company paid benefits so, you would not qualify for a leave of absence. If you are a full time associate, and benefitted, then you should be allowed a leave of absence based on your company's policies.

Answer 4

I don't know Canadian law, but it's logical to deduct that most employee structures have in place some government enforced business policies much like the US has.

In USA, most businesses have a FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) policy in place, allowing an employee (or to care for a family member) to take several weeks off work under a doctor's care. A chagrin thorn in the boss' side, FMLA is Federally protected--and wise bosses don't mess with the Feds.

I'm not aware if in Canada, there's similar government enforced employee rights policies in effect....I'd hope there was.

It's also handy to have a good employee attorney handy, too....just to tip the boss you aren't one to toy with.

Answer 5

Leave of absence means you won't be working for a period of time with a reasonable excuse such as for women: maternity leave.

Answer 6

No, leave of absences typically are associated with someone being pregnant. Someone will usually take over their job, but when they are ready to come back to work, their job is right there for them to continue again.

A plain old resignation would mean that you are going to completely quit to search for a job elsewhere.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 7

I guess your boss does not honor a leave of absence.

Answer 8

not at all