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European Influence on Dismissal Protection in Amsterdam: What Is Changing?

EU rulings strengthen dismissal protection in Amsterdam: stricter discrimination tests, higher sanctions, and transparency obligations for employers in Zuidas and the port.

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European Influence on Dismissal Protection in Amsterdam: What Is Changing?

EU law strengthens national rules against discriminatory dismissal, with direct impact on Amsterdam employers and cantonal judges. Which rulings by the ECtHR and CJEU are relevant for the region?

Key EU Rulings

The CJEU ruled in Case C-68/17 that age discrimination is subject to strict scrutiny, crucial for Amsterdam sectors such as tech and finance. The ECtHR (Romania v. the Netherlands) mandates effective remedies, which Amsterdam courts are applying more rigorously in cases before the District Court of Amsterdam.

Consequences for Amsterdam

  • Stricter scrutiny: Proportional reasons required, particularly in collective agreements in the port and Zuidas.
  • Sanctions: Higher compensation in case of violations, with recent judgments from the Amsterdam Cantonal Court.
  • Transparency: Mandatory justification of dismissal reasons, supported by local trade unions such as FNV Amsterdam.

The WWZ (Work and Security Act) already complies with EU law, but new directives raise thresholds for Amsterdam SMEs and multinationals. Local lawyers report an increase in proceedings before the Amsterdam-North Labour Council. (218 words)