Works Council Act for starters

Starting your role on the Works Council can feel like a big step. You are expected to represent your colleagues, understand the rules and procedures, and contribute to discussions that affect the future of your organisation.

This practical training gives you the knowledge and confidence to become an effective Works Council member from day one. You will gain a clear understanding of the role, rights and responsibilities of the Works Council under Dutch legislation, and learn how to use these rights effectively in practice.

Working method

Alongside the legal framework, we explore practical ways of working that help the Works Council influence decision-making and achieve meaningful results. You will also have the opportunity to exchange experiences with Works Council members from other organisations.

Objectives of the training

Understand the role and position of the Works Council within the organisation;
Learn how to use the rights and powers provided by the Dutch Works Councils Act (WCA) effectively in practice;
Discover how to organise the work of the Works Council efficiently and effectively to maximise its impact.

‘Build a strong foundation for your role and make an impact from the start.’

09:00 - 09:30
Arrival
Reception with coffee and tea.
09:30 - 10:00
Start of the training and introduction
Welcome, discussion of programme and practical matters. The participants introduce themselves and explain why they became member of the Works council.
10:00 - 11:00
The Works council: its role and function
A short introduction into the historical background of the Dutch Works council and labour relations in the Netherlands. What is the role and purpose of a Works council and which are the main differences between a Works council and a trade union?

Discussion on the role and function of the Dutch Works council and its objectives and tasks within the company.
11:00 - 12:30
Rights and powers of the Works council according to the WCA
It is important for the Works council members to have a working knowledge of the Dutch Works Councils Act (WCA).
In this session the trainer will present the main rights and powers, as well as the facilities of the Works council according to the WCA.Furthermore, by going through a number of examples and cases, the participants will get a good insight into how to use the WoCo rights in practice, in order to be really effective.
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch break
13:30 - 15:00
Continuation: Rights and powers of the Works council according to the WCA
We will continue with this session. We will pay special attention to the WoCo rights to advice and approval.
15:00 - 16:30
Organization and way of working of the WoCo
Every Works council develops its own way of working or working method. It is important to know what a good practical working method entails. We will now focus on these important practicalities. A good organization of the WoCo work makes the Works council more efficient and productive. In this context we will also pay attention to the consultation relation with the Director and to the communication with the employees.
16:30 -
Evaluation and end of the training