Leave for a Full-Time Union Position. Any employee or owner operator elected or appointed to a full-time position with the National or Local Union or affiliated organizations shall be granted an indefinite leave of absence without pay provided that thirty (30) days’ notice is given the Company prior to the beginning of such leave. During such leave, the employee or owner operator’s seniority shall accumulate. Health and welfare benefits shall be suspended thirty (30) days after such leave commences, and annual vacation benefits shall be suspended immediately. They will both again be in effect the first (1st) day the employee or owner operator returns to work.