Emergency Leave in Tilburg: Maximum Duration and Key Rules
Emergency leave provides employees in Tilburg and surrounding areas with short-term absence leave for acute personal problems, such as a death in the family or a sudden serious illness. The duration is legally limited. This article discusses the maximum period, conditions, and local practices in Tilburg.
What is emergency leave and when does it apply in Tilburg?
Emergency leave is a statutory right for employees in the event of a calamity: an unexpected, serious event with significant emotional or physical impact. Examples:
- Death of a loved one (partner, child, parent, sibling, in-law, or close connection).
- Sudden serious illness or accident of a family member.
- Acute family problems, such as an unexpected divorce or conflict.
- Serious mental overload due to a traumatic event.
By law, emergency leave may last a maximum of 2 days per calamity, pursuant to Article 30 of the Work and Care Act (Wet arbeid en zorg - Waz). These days can be taken flexibly, not necessarily consecutively. In Tilburg, local employers follow this rule, but always check your collective labour agreement (cao).
Statutory Framework for Tilburg
The core rules are set out in:
- Work and Care Act (Waz), Article 30: Right to leave for personal calamities.
- Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek - BW), Article 7:667a: Protection against sanctions by employers.
The Waz applies to all employees in Tilburg, whether employed or self-employed (zzp'er). Employers must approve this leave, unless a collective labour agreement (cao) provides for deviating (often more generous) rules, such as up to 4 days in some sectors.
Examples from Tilburg Practice
Practical cases for emergency leave:
| Situation | Duration | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Death of child | 2 days (or more via cao) | Article 30 Waz |
| Serious illness of partner | 2 days (or more via cao) | Article 30 Waz |
| Own burnout due to calamity | 2 days (if directly linked to calamity) | Article 30 Waz |
| Family crisis (e.g., divorce) | 2 days (or more via cao) | Article 30 Waz |
If you exceed the 2 days without approval? Risk of measures such as warnings. Contact your employer immediately and document everything. In Tilburg, for disputes you can go to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100 or the Tilburg Legal Advice Centre (Juridisch Loket Tilburg), Spoorlaan 364.
Rights and Obligations in Tilburg
Employee Rights
- Maximum 2 days per calamity, unless otherwise provided by cao.
- No medical certificate required.
- No requirement for compensation with vacation days.
- Protected against retaliation (art. 7:667a BW).
Employer Obligations
- Grant the leave upon request.
- Pay wages during the leave.
- Do not discriminate or punish.
- Follow cao agreements.