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.

Under European directives, all member states are required to incorporate some form of employee participation into their legislation. These directives ensure that employees across all member states have a certain degree of protection and the right to information and contribute to decision-making processes. This article outlines how this international employee participation is implemented in the Netherlands.

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.