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Written Termination of Employment Contract Rotterdam: Complete Guide for Employer and Employee

Complete guide on written termination of employment contract in Rotterdam: laws, letters, requirements and local assistance via Court and Legal Aid Office.

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Written Termination of Employment Contract Rotterdam: Complete Guide for Employer and Employee

A written termination of the employment contract is crucial in Dutch employment law, especially in a dynamic region like Rotterdam. Whether you are an employer or employee in the port city, correct termination requires knowledge of legal rules and procedures. This article provides a complete guide, including local institutions such as the District Court of Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) and the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam (Westblaak 180).

What is a Written Termination?

A written termination is a unilateral declaration by which the employer or employee ends the employment contract. Article 7:672 paragraph 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) requires written form; oral termination or via WhatsApp is invalid. In Rotterdam, with its large labor market, this is essential for port workers, logistics personnel and office jobs.

Other ways to end: dissolution by the subdistrict court, settlement agreement or automatic termination (e.g. pension).

Legal Basis: Article 7:672 Dutch Civil Code

Main rule in Dutch Civil Code Article 7:672:

  • Paragraph 1: Always in writing.
  • Paragraph 2: Employer must hear the employee before termination.
  • Paragraph 3: Justification required for employer.
  • Paragraph 4: Additional requirements for dismissal by employer.

Employers in Rotterdam often need UWV permission or subdistrict court order (art. 7:669 BW), except in cases of urgent reasons.

Form Requirements for Valid Termination in Rotterdam

1. Written Form

  • Paper letter with signature (standard).
  • Send by registered mail (proof via PostNL).
  • Email sometimes valid, but risky; avoid apps.

2. Justification Requirement

Employer justifies with facts, such as:

  • Economic reasons (port recession).
  • Disturbed relationship.
  • Underperformance.
  • Illness after 104 weeks.
    Employee rarely needs to justify.

3. Hearing Requirement

Employer offers a meeting before the letter. In case of violation: termination invalid, possibly challenge via District Court of Rotterdam.

4. Notice Period

Depending on years of service, collective agreement (often strict in Rotterdam logistics) and law:

  • Employees: min. 1 month.
  • Employers: 1-6 months.

Sample Termination Letter by Employer (Rotterdam)

[Company Name, e.g. Port of Rotterdam Authority]
[Address, Rotterdam]
[Postal Code Rotterdam]

[Employee Name]
[Address]
[Postal Code]

Rotterdam, [date]

Subject: Termination of employment contract

Dear [name],

Hereby I terminate your employment contract as of [date], ending [end date] after [months] notice period.

Ground: [e.g. business economic reasons due to port contraction]. [Justification].

Meeting on [date] in fulfillment of hearing requirement.

In accordance with UWV permission [date, ref.], or subdistrict court District Court of Rotterdam [date].

Last working day [date]; return company property.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name, Position]

Sample Termination Letter by Employee

[Your Name]
[Address, Rotterdam]

[Company Name]
[Address]

Rotterdam, [date]

Subject: Termination of employment contract

Dear [name],

I terminate my contract; ends [end date] after [months] notice period.

Last day [date]; handover arranged.

Thank you for the collaboration.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]

Differences Termination by Employer vs. Employee

Employers: UWV/Court of Rotterdam permission required, justification, hearing requirement. Employees: simpler, only notice period.

Local Assistance in Rotterdam

  • District Court of Rotterdam: Wilhelminaplein 100-125 for proceedings.
  • Legal Aid Office Rotterdam: Westblaak 180 for free advice.
  • UWV Work Company Rotterdam for permissions.

Always consult a specialist for your situation.