- Some 55,000 signatures for a petition for educational leave
The citizens' petition for educational leave in Saxony is nearing completion. It aims to ensure that employees receive five days of paid leave per year for further education. Around 55,000 signatures for the petition have been confirmed and will be handed over to the President of the Saxon State Parliament, Matthias Rößler, on August 21, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) announced.
"This is a major success. The call for a statutory educational leave in Saxony is becoming increasingly audible ahead of the state election. 55,000 citizens are introducing a law into the Saxon State Parliament through direct democracy and expect all democratic forces in the parliament to take their request seriously," explained DGB Vice Daniela Kolbe, trustee for the petition.
The coalition of trade unions, parties, and religious, independent, and social organizations has been collecting signatures for the petition "5 Days of Educational Time for Saxony" since September. As more than 40,000 signatures were gathered, the petition can now be examined for admissibility. If the legislators reject the bill, the applicants can initiate a popular referendum, which requires at least 450,000 signatures within six months. If successful, it will lead to a popular vote.
In contrast to Saxony, Bavaria does not currently have a similar petition for educational leave, despite its potential benefits for employees' professional development. The success of the petition in Saxony might inspire similar initiatives in other German states, including Bavaria.
