Prohibited Dismissal Reasons Amsterdam: When May an Employer NOT Dismiss You?
In Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, employers may not dismiss you arbitrarily. The law strictly protects Amsterdam employees against discriminatory and unlawful dismissal. Discover in this article which dismissal reasons are absolutely prohibited, your rights in the Amsterdam region and how you can effectively defend yourself at the Court of Amsterdam.
Statutory Protection: Article 7:670 BW in Amsterdam
Article 7:670 of the Dutch Civil Code forms the core of dismissal protection for Amsterdam employees. This article prohibits dismissal for reasons unrelated to work performance or business interests. At the Court of Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220), these rules are strictly enforced.
Important supplementary laws for Amsterdam:
- General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) - Against discrimination
- Equal Treatment Disability/Chronic Illness Act (Wgbh/cz)
- Equal Treatment on Grounds of Age in Employment Act (WGBL)
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7 - Labour law rules
Complete Overview of Prohibited Dismissal Reasons Amsterdam
The law explicitly lists grounds on which dismissal in Amsterdam is unlawful. In case of disputes, consult the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 77) for free advice.
| Prohibited Dismissal Reason | Statutory Basis | Amsterdam Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy & maternity period | Art. 7:670(1) BW | Complete prohibition on termination during pregnancy + 6 weeks post-partum |
| Union activities | Art. 7:670(2a) BW | Protection for FNV/CNV members against dismissal |
| Ethnic origin | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | No distinction Antilleans/Moroccans/Turks |
| Religion/belief | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Muslim/Christian/Jewish - equally protected |
| Gender | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Equal dismissal protection man/woman |
| LHBTQ+ orientation | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Full Pink in Blue protection |
| Marital status | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | No distinction married/single |
| Political opinion | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | PvdA/VVD/D66 members equally protected |
| Age | WGBL / Art. 7:646 BW | No 50+ discrimination permitted |
| Disability/illness | Wgbh/cz / Art. 7:646 BW | UWV-recognised limitations protected |
| Part-time/full-time | Art. 7:648 BW | Equal rights 3-day/5-day workers |
| Contract type | Art. 7:649 BW | No zero-hours vs. permanent contract distinction |
| Illness (104 weeks) | Art. 7:670(1) BW | Prohibition on termination first 2 sick leave years |
| Military leave | Art. 7:670(5) BW | Defence reservists protected |
| Works council | Art. 7:670(2) BW | Works council members of Amsterdam companies protected |
| Employee representation members | Art. 7:670(2) BW | Personnel representation safe |
| Parental leave | Art. 7:670(3) BW | Adoption/foster care leave protected |
| Whistleblowing | House for Whistleblowers Act | Amsterdam reporting code: whistleblower protection |
Amsterdam Institutions in Case of Unlawful Dismissal
1. Legal Aid Office Amsterdam
Address: Vijzelstraat 77, 1017 HJ Amsterdam
Telephone: 020-5338430
Free initial advice for dismissal disputes
2. Court of Amsterdam
Address: Parnassusweg 220, 1071 AG Amsterdam
Sub-district court: dismissal cases M-F 9:00-17:00
Create case online: rechtspraak.nl
What to Do in Case of Prohibited Dismissal in Amsterdam?
- Check termination - Request UWV dismissal permit
- Legal Aid Office - Free advice Vijzelstraat 77
- Court of Amsterdam - Dissolution proceedings Parnassusweg
- Union/CNVR - FNV Amsterdam assists members
Amsterdam Tip: Keep all WhatsApp/email correspondence. Amsterdam judge attaches importance to evidence.