Dutch Labour Law Employee Relations in the Netherlands: wat is so different about employment or labour law in the Netherlands? It is elaborate and relatively complex, not consolidated into a single code. In general, employees have a strong position, at least when they have an indefinite term contract. A relatively very long period of compulsory salary payment during illness; in general two years. And a prominent position next to trade unions is fulfilled by the Works Council (Ondernemingsraad), an employee representative body with far-reaching rights. Need more insights? Check www.dutchlabourlaw.nl for our workshops in the Social Impact Factory Utrecht.