More About Vacation Benefits

We don’t get “paid vacation” in the same way many workers do because of the nature of construction. However, under certain area agreements some members have a “vacation fund.” Money is deferred into the fund for every hour they work. The money is then distributed on a “vacation check” for them to use as they please.

In Wisconsin and South Dakota, the check is distributed once a year — in early June — for hours worked from the preceding May through April. Nearly all members authorize a “dues check-off,” in which you pay a year’s worth of Local dues by deducting them from your vacation check.

In Minnesota and North Dakota, a vacation check is distributed twice a year: in May for hours worked the previous July through December, and in December for hours worked January through June. These members may also withdraw money from the fund earlier if they have an account with the Carpenters Federal Credit Union in Saint Paul.

Iowa and Nebraska do not have vacation funds at this time.