Amazon PTO and UPT Blackout Periods

What are Blackout Periods?

Blackout periods are specific designated time periods when employees cannot use paid time off (PTO) or unpaid time off (UPT). These blackout periods are typically established to ensure adequate staffing during peak periods of business activity.

Blackout Dates for Amazon Employees

For Amazon employees, the blackout dates for 2023 are as follows:

• Thanksgiving week: November 20th - November 26th
• Black Friday week: November 27th - December 3rd
• Cyber Monday week: December 4th - December 10th
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: December 24th - December 25th
• New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: December 31st - January 1st

During these blackout periods, employees can only use PTO or UPT for emergencies or other approved absences.

Using PTO or UPT During Blackout Periods

If an employee needs to take time off during a blackout period, they must follow these steps:

1. Request the time off in advance through the Amazon AtoZ app or website.
2. Provide a valid reason for the absence.
3. Obtain approval from their manager.

In some cases, employees may be able to use UPT during a blackout period without prior approval. However, this is only allowed for certain types of absences, such as unexpected illness or family emergencies.

Tips for Managing Blackout Periods

To avoid any conflicts or issues during blackout periods, employees should consider the following tips:

• Plan vacation time around blackout periods.
• Request time off well in advance.
• Be prepared to provide documentation to support any requests.
• Communicate with your manager about any potential conflicts.
• Consider using UPT for unexpected absences during blackout periods.

By following these guidelines, Amazon employees can ensure that they can take the time off they need while also helping to maintain operational efficiency during peak periods.