The board still chose to give him more than $1 million in severance, including unused vacation.

The workers whom Mr. Turan laid off were paid for unused vacation and sick leave.

Employees who agree to retire must be paid pensions, and many can collect compensation for unused vacation and sick time.

Indeed, extra cost is one of the main obstacles to employers' agreeing to contribute the value of unused vacation to 401(k)'s.

He was paid for two weeks of unused vacation, but got no severence pay and was ineligible for unemployment insurance.

In fact, several weeks ago a police chief in Parsippany received $469,000 for his unused vacation and sick days over 34 years.

In one example cited, an employee received $14,269 for unused vacation and leave when pro-rating would have entitled him to only $1,338.

Under the liberalized rules, officials may be entitled to severance that represents unused vacation and sick leave accrued during their years of city employment.

They then cash in their unused vacation and sick days upon retirement.

Look at the employee handbook to see if you're entitled to any benefits or compensation for unused vacation or sick time.