Getting to Know More the Netherlands Works Council #
The Purpose of the Works Council Netherlands #
A Works Council is mandatory in the Netherlands if the organisation employs at least 50 workers in accordance with the Dutch Work Councils Act [WOR]. An organisation with multiple legal entities in the Netherlands and each entity is exceeding the 50-employee threshold, will have to establish a council per legal entity.
Organisations with fewer than 50 employees are not required to set up a council. Instead, employees can voluntarily form a council, or opt for a representative body. While this body lacks the legal authority, employees retain the right to consultation through staff meetings.
The purpose of the Dutch Works Council is to benefit both the employer and employees, through employee representation in the workplace and a having a forum in which constructive feedback can allow the business to progress. The council has consultation rights in respect of certain significant proposed management decisions. Furthermore, they have approval rights in respects of intended company decisions regarding employment policies. The rules concerning staff representation are described in the Works Councils Act Netherlands.
Rights & Responsibilities Works Council Netherlands #
The Dutch Works Council [Ondernemingsraad, OR] is an internal body, composed of elected employees, representing employees, promoting, and protecting the interest of the employees. The Works Council Netherlands power under the Works Councils Act Netherlands is to be informed by the entrepreneur, to give Works Council advice and approval on important decisions of employment matters.