The role of Trade Unions in social tourism
75 years of paid leave ! By Leen Berthels, Pasar vzw
The convention on paid leave - the Holidays with pay Convention – celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In 1936, employees working in enterprises with over 10 employees were accorded one week of paid leave. Shortly after, in Belgium, Vakantiegenoegens – currently Pasar – was founded, aiming to stimulate people to make the most of this paid leave. The right to holidays and tourism was considered in many countries a synonym for the right to rest and relaxation while maintaining the usual remuneration, such as determined in the Holidays with Pays Convention of the International Labour Organization (ILO). In 1948, the right to paid leave was also included in the article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, where it is said that “everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay”. In the beginning, the workers were somewhat reticent to leave on holidays. It were mostly the trade unions and the health insurance companies that were stimulating them to meaningfully fill in this free time taking part in organised group holidays. With support from the government, they built holiday accommodation centres for the workers. It wasn’t until the sixties that mainstream tourism as we know it now began.
Tourism for All Within the tourism sector, the need for a more social form of practicing tourism, i.e. social tourism where everyone gets the opportunity to experience holidays outside of their home, was born. In Flanders, Pasar has played and still plays a prominent role in the social tourism sector, striving for more accessible holidays through a supply of quality controlled and affordable accommodation, through the implementation of a social tourism policy and through the set-up of innovative systems allowing those less-favoured persons to have a break. In the Flanders region, the «Tourism for All» Decree, which was adopted by the Flemish Parliament in 2003, facilitates the departure on holidays for the biggest number. Training and animation offered to the holidaymakers also help them in their personal development on a cultural and social level. People link the right to holidays only too often to employment: those who work should be entitled to holidays, others not so much…, a mentality that clearly ignores the numerous positive effects of going on holidays. To enjoy a break, to enter in contact with other people and visit other places are often at the beginning of one’s personal development, especially for those who – for all kinds of reasons – are already struggling.
Pasar’s supply Shortly after the ratification of the Convention in 1936, Vakantiegenoegens – currently Pasar – was founded, aiming to stimulate people to make the most of this paid leave. They have been one of the pioneers in the field of social tourism in Belgium. In the coming years, Pasar will continue to be very active regarding a social tourism policy and tourism for all, in order to allow the biggest number to enjoy their leisure time in a fun, interesting and inspiring way. For a short break or a longer holiday, the holiday accommodation centres belonging to the Pasar group provide excellent lodging options; they are easily reached and close by, whether you choose one of the centres located at the Belgian coast, in the Flemish interior or in the Ardennes. More information can be found on the following website: www.pasar.be ■
Oits information no 152 • page 7