Under California law, earned vacation time is considered wages, and vacation time is earned, or vests, as labor is performed. Eligible employees may take up to 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period per federal law.Can an Employer Deny Unpaid Time Off in California? The simple answer is yes. In California, you can cash out vacation time when discharged, or while still working. This law requires employers to give workers a minimum of three workdays off, either in day or hour increments. California law mandates that employers provide a minimum of 24 hours (3 days) of paid sick leave every year. Administrative Leave accrued in excess of 96 hours will automatically be paid in cash at the. Finally, both the FLSA and the California Labor Code require employers to provide lactation breaks. 1 shall be included in the West Contra Costa.