Urgent Cause in Employment Law Rotterdam
An **urgent cause** allows employers in Rotterdam to dismiss an employee **immediately** and **without notice period**. This applies in cases of **serious misconduct** that irreparably damage the employment relationship or directly threaten business operations. Examples include theft, fraud, aggression or structural misconduct. In the Rotterdam region, the **Rotterdam District Court** (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) handles many of these cases.
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Statutory Regulation of Urgent Cause
The basis is **Article 7:678 DCC**. Dismissal on the spot is permitted in cases of:
1. **Serious negligence**, such as:
- **Theft** or **fraud** in the warehouse or office.
- **Aggression** or **threats** against colleagues or visitors.
- **Prolonged unexplained absenteeism** without a doctor's certificate.
- **Leakage of trade secrets** to competitors.
2. Situations in which cooperation becomes **immediately impossible**.
> **Tip for Rotterdam:** An urgent cause must be **fact-based**. In disputes, you can go to the **Rotterdam Legal Aid Office** (Westblaak 180) for free advice.
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Practical Examples from Rotterdam Cases
- Theft in shop or warehouse: A cashier in Rotterdam-Centre who steals products can be dismissed on the spot based on CCTV footage.
- Workplace violence: Physical confrontations on a construction site at Maasvlakte justify dismissal on the spot.
- Frequent absenteeism: Employees in the port who repeatedly skip work without reason risk dismissal after warnings and reintegration attempts.
- Betrayal of trust relationship: Passing on customer data from a Rotterdam trading company to rivals.
- Safety risks: Non-compliance with rules in Rotterdam industry, such as ignoring lockout procedures.
> **Note:** Proportionality is key. One-off mistakes rarely lead to dismissal.
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Rights and Obligations in Urgent Dismissal
Employer in Rotterdam
- **Immediate dismissal** without transition payment possible.
- Provide evidence via **cameras, witnesses** or logs.
- No warning required, unless the collective agreement provides otherwise.
Employee Rights
- **Written motivation** of the urgent cause.
- **Object within 2 months** at **Rotterdam District Court** (Wilhelminaplein 100-125).
- Possible **reinstatement** or **damage claim** in case of wrongful dismissal.
Employer Obligations
- **Objective assessment** and full documentation.
- For procedural advice: **Rotterdam Legal Aid Office** (Westblaak 180).
**Contact Rotterdam District Court:** Wilhelminaplein 100-125, 3015 CB Rotterdam. **Legal Aid Office:** Westblaak 180, 3011 BN Rotterdam.