Employer underpays or fires unfairly — who do I contact?
For an employment conflict in the Netherlands: (1) FNV/CNV union — FNV 088-368 0368, CNV 030-348 48 48. Free for members, otherwise €15/month. (2) Juridisch Loket 0900-8020 — free legal advice if income below €33,000. (3) UWV 0900-9292 for dismissal, unemployment benefit, sick leave. (4) Employment lawyer for larger amounts or complex dismissal procedures. Important: for unpaid salary, first send a registered demand letter (template via FNV). Statute of limitations on wage claim: 5 years.
Step by step
- 1Collect evidencePay slips, contract, time records, email correspondence, witness names. Screenshot WhatsApp with colleagues.
- 2Written demand letterSend registered formal letter: state amount, deadline (14 days), consequence (court). FNV/CNV and Juridisch Loket have templates.
- 3Engage your unionFNV/CNV member? Call right away. Union lawyers negotiate on your behalf free. Not a member: join now, coverage starts after 3 months for ongoing cases.
- 4UWV for dismissalUnfair dismissal: appeal within 6 weeks. Summary dismissal: 2 months for annulment request via subdistrict court.
- 5Court / employment lawyerWage claim >€25,000 or complex dismissal: employment lawyer. Legal-aid insurance: often covered. Otherwise: pro deo via Legal Aid Board.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer fire me without reason?
No. The Netherlands always requires a “reasonable ground” (business economics, underperformance, etc.) plus UWV approval OR court dissolution. Summary dismissal only for “urgent cause” (theft, violence).
How long do I have to appeal dismissal?
Summary dismissal: 2 months for annulment request via subdistrict court. Regular dismissal via UWV: 8 weeks for appeal. Settlement agreement signed: 14-day cooling-off period.
What if my employer simply stops paying?
Send written demand letter immediately. No response? Wage claim at subdistrict court (no lawyer needed up to €25,000). On bankruptcy: UWV pays 13 weeks of wages via WIA scheme.
Do I get a transition payment on dismissal?
Yes, since 2020 from day one. ⅓ monthly salary per worked year. From 2024 max €94,000 (or €88,000 if annual salary <€88,000). Not for summary dismissal or voluntary resignation.
What if my employer goes bankrupt?
UWV takes over the wage claim (Wage Payment Bankruptcy Act, WLAF). Max 13 weeks wages + holiday pay + 6 weeks notice. Register with administrator within 30 days of bankruptcy.
Work too dangerous — can I refuse?
Right to refuse work in acute danger (art. 7:611 BW, duty of care). First report in writing to employer. Via union representation: collective work stoppage possible. Labour Inspectorate (NLA) can investigate.
Sources
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