I got two weeks off paid, and five days personal time, paid. I hardly ever used it, because when I left for a week or more, and came back I was so unhappy to return, it sort of ruined the short time off. I decided it was better to just stay at a baseline misery, than taste the freedom, only to have it snatched away again. But, also, I didn’t have enough money to do anything fun or interesting, in spite of the time being paid.

Join a union if that’s a realistic option for you. Your boss hates that idea, so you know it’s a good one. The boss’ ideas always suck.