HR tried to talk me out of VOV request
I currently work full-time at a startup. I also take NT2 (Dutch as a second language) classes. I've been in those classes for a year now, and next course will be from September to January.
I recently found out about VOV (Vlaams opleidingsverlof) and went to HR to ask if I could use it to extend the amoun of vacation I had planned for December. I was told I can't, because it can only be used for studying for an exam, and not for simply taking extra time off. I was also told that, even if I were to ask for those, my pay for those days is reduced, not the full pay.
I don't claim to know all the rules on VOV, but that really doesn't match what I read about it, and sounds a lot like I was being gaslighted. I just don't feel particularly intent on pushing for this, because I already feel pressure for preferring to miss deadlines instead of doing unpaid overtime like everyone else.
Was there any truth to HR's response to me, or should I just stop postponing my search for another job?