Hoping I can vent a bit …
My spouse‘s small company achieved some lofty goals last year. The reward: A trip for spouse + 1 to go to an all-expenses paid 4-day vacation! I immediately talked to my boss about taking the four days off. I only get 2 days of vacation time a year. Boss told me where to find HR form to request the time off. I only have 1.5 personal days remaining, so I asked if I could use unpaid or sick leave to cover the remaining 2.5 days. My employer said NO.
I cannot “afford” to take an all-expenses paid trip.
Since I carry my family’s health insurance, I feel like I cannot take the risk. I have appealed and been denied because “it wouldn’t be fair for the other 5000 employees who cannot take unpaid leave.” I did some job hunting, but any other similar job cannot match the benefits at my current employment. If I leave, I would end up losing $800-1100 a month in benefits. I spoke to union rep that confirmed and said there isn’t much I can do.
This whole thing is unbelievable. Just venting because I am so frustrated.