Do I have to use my Vacation time?

I live in California and want to take 2 days off work next month. Can I take it unpaid, or can my employer force me to use my vacation time?
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that is a matter of policy not law...

the employer does not have to allow you the extra time off so if you take it unpaid they could consider it unexcused and hold that against you.
i am NOT implying that is what they would do but the point is they decide how and when paid time off is used and under what circumstances.

many employers would just give you the time unpaid if that was what you requested and if they were in a position to do so.

SO
to get an accurate answer talk to your employer, they are the only ones who can give you an answer....
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If you want to take time off and have vacation time accrued, then the employer can insist that you use the vacation days. They are not required to let you take unpaid time off, whether or not you have vacation accrued.
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You can take it unpaid. It is up to you when you take your vacation. They have no reason to force you to take it.
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