So my company is instituting FTO starting on 1/3/23. I have 43 hours of accrued unused PTO. I do not have the ability to use this PTO before the year is over. In the previous system, I could roll over 40 for my own use or would be paid out if I left my job or was laid off. I have been told that these 40 hours will not be paid out if I leave now due to the change to FTO. I was told that I can use the PTO next year (when I already have unlimited pto wtf). However, if I leave I will not be paid out for those hours I have already earned. I am currently in Washington state.
I have coworkers with over a hundred hours due to the usual short staffing and American work culture. This doesn’t seem right. Am I entitled to be paid for those hours?