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PTO, FTO, & Leave of Absence
Paid time off, flexible time off, and leave of absence can vary between United, Albertson's, and Llano employees. Learn more.
Vacation Time, Personal Time, and Paid Holidays
Vacation Days (Full-time) (Texas Only)
Full-time team members become eligible for vacation on the first anniversary date of continuous full-time employment and earn additional vacation as of each subsequent anniversary date. For team members who are hired on a part-time basis and later move to full-time status, benefits such as vacation are based on the date of the status change and not the original hire date. Vacation earned should be used within one year of the anniversary date. However, up to one week (maximum 45 hours, based on average hours) of unused vacation may be carried over to the next year. (Max of 42.50 hours for RC Taylor) Vacation in excess of one week will be lost forever. In order to receive vacation pay, team members must take time off from work. Pay will not be given in lieu of taking time off. Vacation cannot be taken before it is earned. Due to busy retail season, vacations are discouraged during the last six weeks of the calendar year; any exceptions must have management approval.
For All Hourly Team Members including RC Taylor (Excludes Store Support/DC):
Years of Full-Time Service Completed Vacation Weeks
1 Year ....................................................................................................................................................One Week
2 – 7 Years...........................................................................................................................................Two Weeks
8 – 14 Years........................................................................................................................................Three Weeks
15 Years and Over.................................................................................................................................Four Weeks
**Vacation is based on average hours worked in the year prior to the team member’s anniversary date.
For All Salaried Team Members including RC Taylor (Excludes Salaried Store Support/DC) (Includes Hourly Store Support/DC):
Years of Full-Time Service Completed Vacation Weeks
1 – 5 Years ..........................................................................................................................................Two Weeks
6 – 14 Years............................................................................................................................................Three Weeks
15 Years and Over..................................................................................................................................Four Weeks
Personal Time (Texas Only)
Full-time team members are eligible to receive personal day benefits after six months of continuous full-time employment. Store team members can accrue up to ten days per year, while Store Support and Distribution Center hourly team members can accrue up to five days per year. Team members may accrue up to a maximum of 80 hours. Unlike vacation, 80 personal hours (10 days) can be carried over from year to year. As observed under the vacation policy, personal days must be approved by management.
New Mexico Non-Union Team Members - Sick Time (Includes Store Support/DC/RCT)
As part of the New Mexico Healthy Workplaces Act that took effect July 1, 2022, all Non-Union NM team members, both full-time and part-time, will be allotted 1.32 hours of personal/sick time per 30 hours worked. A maximum of 80 hours earned can be carried over each year on the team member’s anniversary date. Any balance in excess of 80 hours, on the team member's anniversary date, will be forfeited. Sick time hours are not eligible for payout upon termination.
Part-Time Paid Time Off (Texas Only)
Part-time team members are eligible to receive paid time off benefits after working two (2) years of continuous service as of December 31st each year, and working an average of 20 hours per week in the preceding calendar year. PT-PTO is allotted annually on January 1. Part-time team members may not turn in more than a total of 30 hours per week. Any unused time is forfeited at the end of the year. If a part-time team member is changed to a full-time status, any unused PT-PTO will be available until the end of the current calendar year. PT-PTO is not paid at the time of termination.
Years of Service Completed Vacation Hours
2 – 5 Years ...............................................................................................................................................20 hours
6 – 8 Years................................................................................................................................................40 hours
9 – 14 Years................................................................................................................................................60 hours
15 Years and Over......................................................................................................................................80 hours
Paid Holidays
Non-Union Store Paid Holidays (Texas only)
Full-time store team members are eligible for a paid holiday benefit for the following days*:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Easter
*Must work scheduled shifts before AND after the holiday to be eligible for the Holiday pay.
Store Support/DC Paid Holidays
Full-time store Support/DC team members are eligible for a paid holiday benefit for the following days*:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
*Must work scheduled shifts before AND after the holiday to be eligible for the Holiday pay.
FTO (Personal/Sick Time) (Full-Time Store Support/DC Salaried TM) (Texas Only)
Flexible Time Off Program (FTO) (Store Support Salaried Vacation Plan)
United updated the Store Support Salaried Vacation Plan on January 1, 2022. This Flexible Time Off (FTO) Program is a program that allows you, with your manager or supervisor’s approval, to take time off from work for discretionary absences and be paid 100% of your regular salary for the duration of the approved time off. You can take up to a maximum of three consecutive weeks FTO at one time.
Approval of your request for FTO will be based on your manager’s review of appropriate business considerations including the needs of the department, your ability to meet your work commitments and duties. You will need to request the time off in the Uconnect Support Time Off system as far in advance as possible. Please note that the Vacation Plan Program will not show your accrued or available balance in Uconnect.
Salaried Sick Leave Program
You will only be allotted 40 hours of sick time each year. These hours will be granted to you on January 1st. Any unused sick leave from the prior year will not roll over to the new year.
**FTO is not intended to be used in place of short-term disability. You will need to follow the proper channels to apply for an FMLA/short-term disability leave. If you have any questions please contact a member of the Payroll team.
FTO Vacation FAQ:
- What happens to my unused vacation if I transfer from a store position to a Store Support/DC salaried position?
- Unused personal time will be transferred to the new Salaried Sick Leave plan, up to 40 hours. If you do not have 40+ unused personal hours, additional hours needed will be transferred from your vacation plan. Any remaining personal and vacation time will be paid out to you.
- What happens if I transfer from a Store Support/DC Salaried position to a store position since there are currently no vacation hours available?
- You will receive vacation hours based on your new store vacation plan on your next full-time date anniversary. You must remain full-time.
- What is the waiting period before a Salaried Store Support/DC Team Member can request FTO Leave?
- There is no waiting period.
Salaried Sick Leave FAQ:
- What happens to my unused personal leave if I transfer from a store salaried position to a Store Support/DC Salaried position?
- Unused personal time will be transferred to the new Salaried Sick Leave plan, up to 40 hours. If you do not have 40+ unused personal hours, additional hours needed will be transferred from your store vacation plan. Any remaining personal and vacation time will be paid out to you.
- What happens to my unused Salaried Sick Leave if I transfer from a Store Support/DC Salaried position to a store position?
- Your unused Salaried Sick Leave balance will be transferred to your new store personal leave plan. You must remain full-time. If you transfer as part-time, you will lose your unused Salaried Sick Leave balance.
- What is the waiting period before a Salaried Store Support/DC Team Member can request Sick Leave?
- There is no waiting period.
- What happens to my unused Salaried Sick Leave if I separate from the company?
- Any unused Salaried Sick Leave will not be paid out at separation.
- When should I use Salaried Sick Leave?
- Your sick time bank should be utilized if you need to take a day off for an illness, doctor’s appointment, medical leave of absence, or during a short-term disability elimination period. During the short-term elimination period, available sick time should be used first. You will need to request the time off in the Uconnect Support Time Off system as far in advance as possible.
* Salaried team members in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing plants follow their current vacation/personal leave program.
** Questions about current vacation/personal leave programs can be found at Unitedfamilybenefits.com (under the payroll tab) or you can contact the payroll department.
*** Please select the appropriate type of leave you are taking in Uconnect. You have 4 choices you can choose from. Jury Duty, Funeral, Personal and Vacation Leave.
- Note: Salaried Sick Leave is classified as ‘Personal’ in Uconnect.
Non-Union Team Members - Vacation
Full-time team members hired after the store moved to the United division are eligible for vacation time on the first anniversary date of continuous full-time employment and earn additional vacation time as of each subsequent anniversary date. For team members who are hired on a part-time basis and later move to full-time status, benefits such as vacation are based on the date of the status change and not the original hire date. Vacation time is calculated based on the average number of weekly hours worked during the team member’s anniversary year, up to a maximum of 45 hours per week. Vacation earned should be used within one year of the anniversary date. However, up to one week (maximum 45 hours, based on average hours) of unused vacation time may be carried over to the next year. Vacation time in excess of one week will be lost forever if not used by the full-time anniversary date. In order to receive vacation pay, team members must take time off from work. Pay will not be given in lieu of taking time off. Vacation cannot be taken before it is earned.
For All Non-Union Hourly Team Members:
Years of Full-Time Service Completed Vacation Weeks
1 Year .............................................................................................................................One Week
2 – 7 Years.....................................................................................................................Two Weeks
8 – 14 Years.................................................................................................................Three Weeks
15 Years and Over..........................................................................................................Four Weeks
**Vacation is based on average hours worked in the year prior to the team member’s anniversary date.
For All Non-Union Salaried Team Members:
Years of Full-Time Service Completed Vacation Weeks
1 – 5 Years.......................................................................................................................Two Weeks
6 – 14 Years..................................................................................................................Three Weeks
15 Years and Over..........................................................................................................Four Weeks
Grandfathered Non-Union Team Members - Vacation
Team members hired prior to moving to the United Division will continue to earn vacation based on their original vacation date and years of service. Vacation time is calculated based on the average number of weekly hours worked during the team member’s anniversary year, up to a maximum of 45 hours per week. Vacation earned should be used within one year of the anniversary date. However, up to one week (maximum 45 hours, based on average hours) of unused vacation time may be carried over to the next year. Vacation time in excess of one week will be lost forever if not used by the full-time anniversary date. The number of weeks of vacation eligibility is based on years of continuous service and is the same for all eligible team members. If the team member becomes ineligible, the available balances will be forfeited. Please contact payroll for details.
Grandfathered Albertsons (Non-Union) Texas Albertsons and NM Store 680, 665, 686 and 690 Team Members:
Must average 16+ hours in year prior to anniversary date to remain eligible. If the team member becomes ineligible, the available balances will be forfeited.
Grandfathered Albertsons (Non-Union) 900 NM Store Team Members:
Must average 20+ hours in year prior to anniversary date to remain eligible. If the team member becomes ineligible, the available balances will be forfeited
Texas Non-Union Team Members - Personal Time
Full-time team members hired after the store moved to the United division are eligible for personal day benefits after six months of continuous full-time employment. Team members can accrue up to ten days per year, up to a maximum of 80 hours. The 80 personal hours can be carried over from year to year.
Grandfathered Texas Non-Union Team Members - Personal Time
Team members hired prior to moving to United will be eligible for personal time at the time of transition to United. To remain eligible for personal time, team members must work an average of 24+ hours per week. If the team member becomes ineligible, the available balances will be forfeited. Please contact Payroll for details.
New Mexico Non-Union Team Members - Sick Time
As part of the New Mexico Healthy Workplaces Act that took effect July 1, 2022, all Non-Union NM team members, both full-time and part-time, will be allotted 1.32 hours of sick time per 30 hours worked. A maximum of 80 hours earned can be carried over each year on the team member’s anniversary date. Any balance in excess of 80 hours, on the team member's anniversary date, will be forfeited. Sick time hours are not eligible for payout upon termination.
New Mexico Union Team Members - Sick Time
As part of the New Mexico Healthy Workplaces Act that took effect July 1, 2022, all Union NM team members, both full-time and part-time, will be allotted 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked. A maximum of 64 hours earned can be carried over each year on the team member’s anniversary date. Any balance in excess of 64 hours, on the team member's anniversary date, will be forfeited. Sick time hours are not eligible for payout upon termination.
Part-Time Paid Time Off Texas Non-Union Members (Excludes New Mexico)
Part-time Texas team members are eligible to receive paid time off benefits after working two (2) years of continuous service as of December 31st each year, and working an average of 20 hours per week in the preceding calendar year. PT-PTO is allotted annually on January 1. Part-time team members many not turn in more than a total of 30 hours per week. Any unused time is forfeited at the end of the year. If a part-time team member is changed to a full-time status. Any unused PT-PTO will be available until the end of the current calendar year. Any unused balance at the end of the current calendar year will be forfeited. PT-PTO is not paid at the time of termination.
Annual Allotment:
Years of Service Completed Vacation Hours
2 – 5 Years .............................................................................................................................................20 hours
6 – 8 Years..................................................................................................................................................40 hours
9 – 14 Years.............................................................................................................................................60 hours
15 Years and Over.................................................................................................................................80 hours
Paid Holidays
Non-Union Store Paid Holidays
Full-time store non-union team members are eligible for a paid holiday benefit for the following days*:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Easter
Full-Time Non-Grandfathered TM (Non-Union)
- Eligible for 8 hours holiday pay*.
Part-Time and Full-Time Grandfathered TM (Non-Union)
- Eligible for prorated holiday hours based on previous 4 weeks worked, up to 8 hours*.
- Texas:
- <24 hours = 0 Hours Holiday Pay
- 24 – 31.99 hours = 4 Hours Holiday Pay
- 32+ hours = 8 Hours Holiday Pay
- New Mexico:
- 0 – 5.99 hours = 0 Hours Holiday Pay
- 6 – 11.99 Hours = 2 Hours Holiday Pay
- 12 – 23.99 Hours = 4 Hours Holiday Pay
- 24 – 31.99 Hours = 6 Hours Holiday Pay
- 32+ Hours = 8 Hours Holiday Pay
- Texas:
* All Eligible team members must work scheduled shifts before AND after the holiday to be eligible for the Holiday Pay.
Vacation Days (Full-Time)
All full-time team members are eligible to receive vacation benefits after completing six months of continuous full-time service. Team members are not eligible for vacation during the first six months of employment. All vacations must be taken in the year accrued. Any vacation hours not used by December 31 of each year will be forfeited.
Months/Years Completed Vacation hours
After 6 Months.................................................................................................................................Up to 40 hours*
After 1 Year..........................................................................................................................................Up to 80 hours*
3 – 5 Years.................................................................................................................................................80 hours
6 – 15 Years............................................................................................................................................120 hours
16+ Years...................................................................................................................................................160 hours
*Prorated based on month of hire
Personal Days - Hourly Team Member (Full-Time and Part-Time)
Llano hourly team members can accrue up to 6 days per year at 4 hours per month. Hourly team members are eligible to receive personal day benefits after 90 days of continuous employment. Personal time is based on calendar year. Personal time not used by December 31 each year will be forfeited.
*Prorated based on month of hire
Personal Days - Salary Team Member (Full-Time and Part-Time)
Llano salary team members can accrue up to 9 days per year at 6 hours per month. Salary team members are eligible to receive personal day benefits after 90 days of continuous employment. Personal time is based on calendar year. Personal time not used by December 31 each year will be forfeited.
*Prorated based on month of hire
New Mexico Team Members (NM Ice Stackers, Ice Drivers, and CMS Drivers) - Sick Time
As part of the New Mexico Healthy Workplaces Act that took effect July 1, 2022, all team members who work in NM, both full-time and part-time, will be allotted 1.32 hours of personal/sick time per 30 hours worked. A maximum of 80 hours earned can be carried over each year on the team member’s anniversary date. Any balance above 80 hours, on the team member's anniversary date, will be forfeited. Sick time hours are not eligible for payout upon termination.
No vacation can be taken or is accrued (earned) in the first 6 months of employment.
- No personal time can be taken or is accrued (earned) in the first 90 days of employment.
- After 6 months of employment, vacation will start to accrue at 6.67 hours per month.
- After 6 months of employment, vacation may be taken in advance of accrual. This will be treated as an advance (taken but not accrued).
- After 90 days of employment, personal time may be taken in advance of accrual. This will be treated as an advance (taken but not accrued).
- Upon separation/termination, any vacation or personal time taken (advance) and not fully accrued (earned), will be deducted from your last paycheck. See below for examples.
- Both Vacation and Personal time is based on calendar year.
- Vacation or Personal time not used by December 31 each year will be forfeited.
Paid Holidays
Full-time hourly team members are eligible for a paid holiday benefit for the following days*:
- Easter
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
*All eligible team members must work scheduled shifts before AND after the holiday to be eligible for the Holiday Pay.
Leave of Absence
A leave of absence is a period of time a team member must be away from work while maintaining status as an employee.
A leave of absence differs from vacation and personal time; however, the team member may use their accrued vacation or personal time while out. Team members who are out due to personal medical reasons may be eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability. Benefit premiums must be maintained while out on a leave of absence. Team members are allowed to let their premiums go into arrears, but only up to 4 weeks. If a team member’s premiums get 5 weeks into arrears, their benefits will be cancelled.
Team members requesting a leave of absence must contact the Team Member Benefits Department to determine eligibility and the appropriate paperwork.
Phone: 1-806-791-0220
Email: totalbenefits@unitedtexas.com
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