Emergency Leave in Amsterdam: duration rules and your rights
Emergency leave provides employees in Amsterdam and surrounding areas with leave for acute personal emergencies, such as the sudden death of a family member or a serious accident. The Work and Care Act sets strict limits on the duration. This article for Amsterdammers explains how long you get leave, who is entitled and how to request it from your employer.
What does emergency leave entail for Amsterdam employees?
Emergency leave falls under short-term absence leave and is intended for unexpected, urgent matters. Examples:
- Sudden death of partner, child, parent or sibling.
- Serious illness or serious accident of a housemate.
- Catastrophe at home, such as a house fire or water damage in your Amsterdam apartment.
The Work and Care Act (Waz) is the basic act, supplemented by your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract. Without specific agreements, national legislation applies. In case of disputes, you can go to the Amsterdam District Court at Parnassusweg 220 or the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office at Vijzelstraat 77 for free advice.
How many days of emergency leave do you get?
By law, you are entitled in Amsterdam to:
- 2 days in case of death of a close relative.
- 1 day in case of serious illness/accident of a close relative.
These hours are paid, do not count as holiday days and do not expire. Your CAO (e.g. in hospitality or retail in Amsterdam) may offer more. Always check this.
| Type of emergency | Statutory entitlement | Possibly via CAO |
|---|---|---|
| Death of partner/child/parent | 2 days | 3-5 days (depending on sector) |
| Illness/accident family member | 1 day | 2-3 extra days |
Your rights and obligations for emergency leave
Your rights as an employee
- Paid leave for the statutory period.
- No registration as illness; no doctor's certificate required.
- Protection against dismissal or sanctions by your employer.
Your obligations
- Report immediately to your boss, preferably by telephone.
- Provide proof, such as a funeral card or hospital letter.
- Use only for genuine urgency; abuse may lead to sanctions.
Employer's obligations
- Grant leave immediately for a valid reason.
- No wage withholding or disadvantages imposed.
- In case of dispute: mediation via Amsterdam Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77).
Practical examples for Amsterdam
Example 1: Death of parent
Your father dies unexpectedly. You text your employer and take 2 days emergency leave for the cremation at De Nieuwe Ooster. Wage paid through, no sick leave required.
Example 2: Child operated on at VUmc
Your child breaks a leg while playing football on Museumplein and must go directly to VU Medical Center. You use 1 day emergency leave to be with them. Proof: hospital discharge letter.
Example 3: Fire in Amsterdam home
Your flat in the Jordaan suffers fire damage. You report emergency leave for 1-2 days to salvage belongings and arrange temporary housing. Fire service report suffices as proof.
Need help in Amsterdam?
In case of refusal of leave or wage withholding: go to Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77, appointment via 020-5338430). They provide free help with employment disputes.