In the Netherlands employees are entitled to be consulted on major issues affecting your business. Under the Dutch Works Councils Act, all businesses with 50 or more employees must set up a works council. Smaller organisations may adopt less formal representation and consultation structures, such as a staff representation.

Consultation and approval rights
Important decisions must be submitted to the works council for consultation. Examples would be merger or restructuring plans, downsizing and significant changes to the nature of the business and its activities. The council’s approval is required for decisions relating to employment conditions such as working hours and work classification.

European works councils
If you are an international company, you will also be required to have a European works council, a cross-border employee participation body with its own special role and competencies.

Pallas Attorneys-at-Law has a specific approach for each form of employee participation.