Planning on a merger, acquisition or division of (part of) a business in the Netherlands or any other EU country? Then be aware of the EU law which sets out the strong position of employees in case of a transfer of undertaking (Directive 2001/23/EC). Russell Advocaten will inform you of the EU law on transfer of undertaking and the consequences thereof by a series of newsletters. This time: Obligation to inform employees.
The employer is obliged to inform the employees who are involved in the transfer of undertaking “in good time” on the following matters:
The information obligation extends to all employees concerned, including those who are not transferred themselves. The information obligation rests on the transferor as well as the transferee.
Dutch law does not prescribe a particular term which is considered to be “in good time”. However, it is relevant that the employees are informed at such a time when the decision on the transfer is not yet definitive and the date of transfer has not yet been fixed (depending on the circumstances of the case, even a term of approximately two months might be sufficient).
Failing to inform the employees in good time will not have any consequences for the validity of the transfer of undertaking, but might result in liability of the employer (transferor and/or transferee) to pay damages due to an unlawful act. Furthermore the employees are allowed to derive rights from the given information regarding the transfer of undertaking and can address the employer based on “good employment practice” in case the information appears to be incorrect.
Would you like to receive more information about the EU law on transfer of undertaking and the consequences thereof? Or do you have any other questions on employment law? Please contact us:
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