I know some on here are against it but if the vacation week is blocked see if whoever has picked it will switch a week with you. Some centers allow it--some don't. We did it all the time were I worked and it never created a problem---but we were a small center (30 drivers).
If they wont give it to you off. All you have to do is go to a doctor and get a note that your sick. Ive done it before. I had over 12 sick days to use up also. Only 10 bucks copay to go to a doc.
We already picked vacations for next year. I never had a problem with other peeps choosing theres over mine. Even if they did. Always sick or optional and 10 dollar docs note to get me that week off.
Sounds like your seniority won't get you that week. I would let my supervisor know that I really need that week because of your family thing. Tell him to put you down as "looking for the week". There may be 3 or 4 guys who are also looking for that same week as you and have more seniority than you. If this is the case you may be SOL. If you resort to banging in as you put it, just remember if you were to be sick 3 days in a row that it would only be 1 occurance.
We already picked vacations for next year. I never had a problem with other peeps choosing theres over mine. Even if they did. Always sick or optional and 10 dollar docs note to get me that week off.