Zuhal Demir (N-VA) wants to abolish training leave for those who work less than four fifth

At the moment, everyone, even those who work half -time or only during the weekend, can use the Flemish Training Leave (VOV). With the system, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, an employee can take paid leave to follow a course. In exchange for wage retention, the employer will then receive subsidies. In Demir’s proposal, employees who work less than four fifth and less than 28 hours a week would fall out of the boat from September.

The proposal has already been discussed in recent days with the majority cabinets and possibly a government decision will follow on Friday, writes time on the basis of a bill that the newspaper could look into. According to Demir, those who work less than 80 percent have « more free time to use » for a training « instead of asking them to their employer and thus being absent at work ».

Especially affected women

The trade unions are ‘not amused’ with Demir’s proposal. Calculations from the ABVV show that one in ten employees loses his right to training leave. Sectors in which many people perform a part-time job, such as the hospitality industry or the healthcare sector, would also be hit harder and ABVV top woman Miranda Ulens fears that especially women will be the victim. « A shame, especially in times when care moans under the workload and there is a shortage of trained care professionals everywhere, » she says in De Tijd.

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The same story with the Christian trade union ACV. « With this proposal you simply do not allow people who work to reorient themselves half -time, » says National Secretary Stijn Gryp.