>This allows them to reset already accrued PTO to 0, and then when the layoffs start to occur after January 16, they won't pay out that PTO (since, again, it is 0).
Except they're paying out all the accrued PTO in the April paycheck.
Except they're paying out all the accrued PTO in the April paycheck.
Plus it all relies on the good-will of your direct manager. They don't want you taking time off or even want you to leave? You now have zero days a year.
That can be reported to M + 1, M + 2, or to HR as a last resort.
Managers are not computers that follow a written contract as if it's a computer program. Zero days a year is a very obvious violation of conduct.