The SER (Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands) sets the target amounts for training costs Works Council annually, and on the recommendation of the Commission for the Promotion of Employee Participation (CBM). It provides an indication of what, under normal circumstances, are reasonable costs for education of sufficient quality. It is therefore not a legal norm, but a guideline, intended to provide guidance to the employer and the Works Council in their consultations on the training and the costs.
Guidelines Works Council Tuition Costs
The SER has set the guidelines for the Works Council training costs 2023. The advised amount for a standard open course for 4 hours, is 1160 euros exclusive of VAT. In 2022 the guideline was 1100 euro and in 2021 1065 euros. The target amounts are included costs such as the trainer’s fee, the costs of preparation, execution and aftercare of the course, any travel costs and course materials.
Right to Education
Works Council members have a legal right to training. The employer is obliged to give the members of the Works Council the opportunity to receive the training they deem necessary for the performance of their duties for a minimum number of days per year, during working hours and with pay. The number of days is determined by the employer and the Works Council in joint consultation. The employer is obliged to pay the costs that are reasonably necessary for the training of Works Council members.
Expenses Tailor-Made Courses
The SER does not provide a target amount for the costs of accommodation and tailor-made courses. The reason is these costs can vary widely. The guidelines are only relevant for standard courses open for registration.
