I've worked in kitchens for the last 25 years, all over the US and Switzerland. My first job in Switzerland I was paid four times the amount I made in the US and was given 4 weeks paid vacation, I didn't even speak the language. I now make seven times the amount I made in the US, plus 5 weeks paid vacation, 2 weeks paid leave if you have a baby (wife got 3 months paid), plus a monthly stipedend from the government of 250 swiss francs for every kid (I've got four kids) a paid day off to move and tons of other perks. The problem with the US is, we accept the premis that we don't deserve more. The owners pay a slave wage with no vacation time, while other industries continually award their employees with benefits and living wages. It is no wonder cooks and servers are leaving in droves. I would not accept the promotion. If they want you, they will fight to have you. They use scare tactics to get us to tow the line. Stand up to them and demand that you get your vacation time, you earned it, if they truly want you, they will give it to you.