At first sight, the answer to this question would be: only by mutual agreement. But once you take a closer look there are many ways and situations that make it possible for an employer to unilaterally change the contractual terms.

  • Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) are binding for members of those employers’ associations (firms)  and labour

Dutch dismissal law will undergo a dramatic change with effect from 1 July 2015. If you are considering individual dismissals or a reorganisation with lay-offs, the legal changes will not only have a financial impact, but are also expected to complicate effecting dismissals. If your proposals do not comply with the new law any dismissals