Belgian Green Party Proposes Special Leave for Energy Transition Training

The Belgian Green party, Ecolo, is advocating for a dedicated leave program to help workers retrain for jobs in the energy transition. Gilles Vanden Burre, a party representative, highlighted the need for strong action on socio-economic issues related to climate change.

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We must have a strong voice on these issues that differentiates us from other parties.

Ecolo believes that small and medium-sized enterprises, independent workers, and heavy industries must be partners in the collective effort towards climate and ecological transition. The party emphasizes that sectors moving away from fossil fuels will grow and create new jobs. However, they note that insufficient attention is given to the retraining needs of workers who will fill these future roles, particularly those currently employed in the fossil fuel industry.

To address this, Ecolo proposes creating a specific leave for training in energy transition professions. This initiative would build upon existing training models, with Ecolo also pushing for an increase in authorized training days and financial compensation limits. Potential sectors for retraining include building insulation, renewable energy installation, circular economy, and recycling.

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We cannot tell them 'sorry, these jobs that are being created will be for others, no…'

Furthermore, Ecolo seeks to end subsidies, such as tax exemptions, for companies reliant on fossil fuels. While acknowledging the need for a transition period, the party argues that continued subsidies for fossil fuels, like reduced excise duties on gas and heating oil, are no longer justifiable. They suggest limiting excise duties on electricity to the European minimum.

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Our objective is to get out of dependence on fossil fuels.