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Model Rules of Procedure for Work Councils

18 December 2003 (PRESS RELEASE)

Update 2010/2011: Model Rules of Procedure for Works Councils  

The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) has published an English-language version of its Voorbeeldreglement voor ondernemingsraden , under the title Model Rules of Procedure for Works Councils . The aim of this English translation is to make it easier for Dutch branches of foreign companies to set up a Works Council, specifically by providing them with a tool for drawing up appropriate Rules of Procedure.

The Voorbeeldreglement voor ondernemingsraden was originally published (in Dutch) in 1984. In recent years, however, there has been increasing demand for an English version, particularly from those foreign companies operating in the Netherlands who are required to have a Works Council. The new publication is designed to meet this demand by providing staff and management of these organisations with an English translation of the Model Rules of Procedure. It follows the most recently published Dutch text of the Model Rules, which dates from 1998.

Preface (PDF, 43 kB)
1. Introduction (PDF, 82 kB)
2. Model Rules of Procedure for Work Councils (PDF, 181 kB)
3. Model Rules of Procedures for Electoral Groups (PDF, 77 kB)
4.  Model Rules of Procedure for Central Works Councils and Group Works Councils (PDF, 93 kB)
5. Model Resolution for Setting up Committees (PDF, 92 kB)

Appendices

A Duties and powers of the Works Council, GOR and COR pursuant to certain other laws and regulations (PDF, 94 kB)
B Agreements between the entrepreneur and the Works Council (PDF, 77 kB)
C Agreements between the Works Council and the entrepreneur about concerning consultation between the Works Council and its electorate (PDF, 83 kB)
D The Legal status of members of the Works Council (PDF, 77 kB)
E English translation of the Dutch text of the Works Councils Act [ Wet op de Ondernemingsraden (WOR) ] and of relevant Articles from the Dutch Civil Code [ Burgerlijk Wetboek ] (PDF, 196 kB)
F List of organisations that can provide further information (PDF, 53 kB)

Dutch-English Terminology (PDF, 52 kB)

The Appendices to the Model Rules contain practical advice relating to the tasks and duties of the Works Council and its consultations with management. The complete text of the WOR in English is also included.