Alain Camonier

The Dutch Works Councils Act (WCA) grants the Works Council extensive rights and facilities to perform its duties effectively. From initiating proposals and safeguarding working conditions to influencing major financial and organizational decisions, the Works Council plays a central role in company governance. This article outlines the general, special, and information rights that empower Works Councils to represent employees and shape corporate policy.

For companies with over 50 employees in the Netherlands, a works council is not just a legal requirement — it's a vital structure ensuring employee participation and safeguarding both operational and staff interests. This article outlines the key rules under the Works Councils Act (Wet op de Ondernemingsraden), from establishment to consultative rights, helping both entrepreneurs and council members navigate their shared responsibilities.

The Dutch Works Councils Act outlines how employee participation is structured in the Netherlands. This law specifies the employer's obligation to create conditions that allow employees to have a say in important organizational decisions. It also explains employees' rights to establish a works council, including the associated rights, responsibilities, and facilities, as well as how a works council functions.