Conflict with your employer: stay in control of your position
What would you like help with?
In a conflict, do not immediately sign a settlement agreement, dismissal letter or acknowledgement of debt. Ask for time to consider it and have the consequences checked first.
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A disagreement about performance, working hours, illness or dismissal can quickly escalate. Ensure that facts and agreements can be demonstrated and continue communicating professionally.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
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Create a factual timeline
Keep emails, meeting notes, evaluations, schedules and WhatsApp messages. Briefly confirm verbal agreements by email and correct factual inaccuracies without reproach or speculation.
Continue following reasonable instructions
A conflict usually does not release you from your work obligations. Attend appointments and remain available, unless a doctor advises otherwise. Ask for unclear instructions to be confirmed in writing.
Illness and conflict are not the same
If you cannot work because of medical complaints, report sick in accordance with the absence protocol. The occupational physician assesses your capacity for work. In a purely conflict-based situation, discussion, guidance or mediation may be more appropriate.
Where can I report unsafe working conditions?
Raise specific safety concerns with the employer and, if appropriate, the works council. If unresolved, ask the occupational health service or an occupational safety expert for advice. Continuing violations can be reported to the Netherlands Labour Authority. Record location, risk, date and previous reports. A general workplace dispute and a safety report follow different routes; immediate danger needs immediate protection.
What can I do about workplace discrimination?
Record what was said or done, when, and which personal characteristic may be involved. Where appropriate use the internal complaints procedure, works council, union or anti-discrimination service. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights can assess unequal treatment; its opinion is not legally binding. You may also go directly to court without first applying to the Institute. Have dismissal and other procedural deadlines checked separately; a complaint does not automatically extend them.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
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Item 1 / 5 · Where do you stand with this item?
Employment contract, collective labour agreement and staff regulations
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
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Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 5 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Employment contract, collective labour agreement and staff regulations
- Chronological overview of important events
- Emails, evaluations and meeting notes
- Concrete proposals to solve the problem
- Any invitation, warning or termination proposal
Frequently asked questions
May I record a conversation with my employer?
You may record a conversation in which you participate yourself in many situations. The use and distribution of the recording may raise separate privacy and evidentiary issues; preferably also make a written report.
Do I have to agree to mediation?
Mediation is voluntary, but constructively cooperating in a reasonable solution may be wise. Ask in advance about independence, costs and confidentiality.