If your employer in Tilburg refuses to pay your transition compensation, start by sending a formal demand letter via registered mail. Include the dismissal date, years of service, and the calculated amount, and send this to the Tilburg-based company. If there is no response within 14 days, file a request with the subdistrict court of the Oost-Brabant District Court in Tilburg within two months of dismissal, in accordance with Article 7:686a of the Dutch Civil Code (BW).
The subdistrict court in Tilburg will assess the case on legal grounds and may order the employer to pay the compensation, including interest and legal costs. Evidence is crucial: employment contract, payslips, dismissal letter, and, if applicable, the collective labour agreement (CAO) for the Midden-Brabant region. In the case of a settlement agreement (VSO), it must explicitly state that no compensation applies; otherwise, you retain your right to it.
From 2025, digital procedures will be rolled out via the digital portal of the Dutch Judiciary, accessible from Tilburg, which will expedite cases at the local court. In Tilburg and the surrounding area, the success rate for clear claims is around 80-85%, partly due to the efficient handling by the Oost-Brabant District Court. Costs: court fees of €85 for straightforward procedures, with a good chance of reimbursement by the employer.
Start with free advice at the Legal Counter in Tilburg (Stationsstraat 29) or mediation via the local Legal Aid Board. In cases of urgent financial need in the Tilburg region, you can request interim relief from the subdistrict court. Document everything carefully, including local wage and dismissal practices, to strengthen your position.