Several parliamentary groups in the state parliament are in favor of the proposal for statutory educational leave. "Educational leave is an important impetus for strengthening voluntary work and civil society," said Gerald Eisenblätter, deputy leader of the SPD parliamentary group, after a hearing of experts in the Committee on Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection.
Educational leave already exists in 14 federal states
A bill for educational leave was introduced to the state parliament as a popular motion last March. It aims to guarantee that employees receive five days of paid leave per year for further education. An alliance of trade unions, political parties and church, independent and social organizations collected more than 55,000 signatures. As the governing coalition, the CDU and SPD have agreed on three days of educational leave.
There is already a legal entitlement to educational leave in 14 federal states. Only Bavaria and Saxony have so far made an exception.
"The coalition agreement for this legislature applies," said Eisenblätter. He expects the CDU and SPD parliamentary groups to find a democratic majority for the law.