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Media Company Makes Big PTO Change
🕑 Added 2026-01-05 06:00:08 +0000 UTC
While this media company only owns a seven TV stations, you have to wonder if it is a sign of the times for the industry when it comes to time off.
Just before 2025 ended, the employees at the Bahakel Communications station got an email from corporate that will change how and when they get time off.
One Bahakel employee told FTVLive, "On the literal day before the new year, they severely cut our time off. While employees get personal days based on how long we've been there, we also got floating days off-- which have suddenly been reduced from 10 to 2. I'm not even sure how this benefits them. We feel very disrespected." The insider adds, "Not to mention they raised our deductible by $1,000 and then bragged about keeping the premium about the same."
In the email to the staff, the last line reads, "This update supersedes any prior time off/holiday policies in the Employee Handbook. The Company reserves the right to interpret, modify, or discontinue these benefits and policies at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law."
If you're one of those that likes to bank your time off for the ned of the year, Bahakel is making a big change there. The email states that, "time off requests during the period between Thanksgiving and New Years will be limited to five (5) days per employee."
Basically, you can take time off in later November or late December, but not both. "So much for family time-- especially for people with family out-of-state. People at our station are furious. We've been able to make the holiday schedule work every year, so why would they do something so callous?" said one Bahakel station employee to FTVLive.
You do have to wonder if we will see other stations or groups tightening up on time off.
Here is the memo sent to employees and obtained by FTVLive.
Hi Team,
From time to time, we review and benchmark our paid time off and holiday practices to ensure they remain competitive, consistent, and aligned with common market standards. Based on this review, we are updating portions of our time off program.
Even with these changes, our overall benefits package remains strong and competitive, including holiday time off, vacation, and sick time.
Policy Updates
1) Full-Time Floating Holidays (Effective 1/1/26)
Beginning 1/1/26, floating holidays will transition from 10 days per year to two (2) floating holidays per year, earned throughout the year.
2) Time Off Between Thanksgiving and New Years
To ensure adequate staffing for critical year-end activities, time off requests during the period between Thanksgiving and New Years will be limited to five (5) days per employee.
3) Sick Leave Carryover (Subject to Applicable Law)
Beginning 1/1/27, sick leave will no longer carry over year-to-year, to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not carry over into the 2027 calendar year.
Certain states may require different treatment of carryover. Employees in those locations will be governed by applicable state and local requirements.
This update supersedes any prior time off/holiday policies in the Employee Handbook. The Company reserves the right to interpret, modify, or discontinue these benefits and policies at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Comments
Sheila Brummer
So glad to now work in public radio. Just returned after nearly two weeks off for the holidays. The benefits? 8 holidays, 24 vacation days, 18 sick days (per year), and yes—you can actually bank your time. I took 60 days off this year (including surgery) and still have plenty left. Do I make big bucks? Nope. Do I make big use of flexibility? Absolutely. I work from home with my dog, and no one’s policing my weight, age, or face. Priceless. Plus, my managers give me the time needed to tell meaningful stories.
Ned Dannenberg
This is the company that owned WBBJ-TV in Jackson, TN that was just sold to Gray Media. My understanding is the company has been struggling with debt and had to sell off holdings. Sounds like the remaining staff at the Selma/Montgomery and Columbia, SC stations get to enjoy this policy.
