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Emergency Leave in Tilburg: duration, rules and your rights

Discover the duration rules for emergency leave in Tilburg: 1-2 days paid for death or illness of a close relative. Rights, obligations and local assistance via the Court and Legal Aid Office.

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Emergency Leave in Tilburg: duration, rules and your rights

Emergency leave provides employees in Tilburg and surrounding areas with leave for acute personal emergencies, such as the sudden death of a family member or a serious accident. The duration is precisely laid down in the law. This article highlights the exact duration, conditions for entitlement and practical steps, with local Tilburg emphases.

What does emergency leave entail?

Emergency leave falls under short-term absence leave and applies to unexpected, urgent situations in private life. Examples in Tilburg context:

  • Death of close relatives (parent, child, partner, sibling).
  • Serious illness or accident of a loved one.
  • Catastrophes such as house fire or water damage in the region.

The Work and Care Act (Wet arbeid en zorg - Waz) forms the basis, supplemented by your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract. Without specific agreements, the national law applies. For disputes in Tilburg, you can go to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100 or the Legal Aid Office Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364.

How long does emergency leave last?

By law, the duration is limited under the Waz:

  • 2 days for death of close relative.
  • 1 day for serious illness/accident of close relative.

These count as short-term absence leave, separate from holiday or sick leave. No accrual possible. CAOs in Tilburg sectors (e.g. healthcare, industry) sometimes offer extensions; check your contract.

Type of emergency Statutory duration CAO/Contract Tilburg
Death of family member 2 days Often 3-5 extra days
Illness/accident family member 1 day Sometimes 2-4 days

Your rights and obligations regarding emergency leave

Employee rights

  • Paid leave for statutory days (unless otherwise agreed).
  • No classification as sick leave.
  • No doctor's certificate required, except for specific requirements.

Employee obligations

  • Report immediately to employer.
  • Provide proof (death notice, hospital letter).
  • Only for genuine emergencies.

Employer obligations

  • Grant leave for valid claims.
  • No discrimination or refusal without grounds.
  • Pay full wages.

Examples from Tilburg practice

Example 1: Death of parent

Your father dies unexpectedly. You report 2 days of emergency leave for the funeral in Tilburg. Wages paid through, no sick leave.

Example 2: Child's accident

Your child crashes on the bike on Spoorlaan and ends up in ETZ TweeSteden. You claim 1 day of leave for the operation. Immediate report suffices; proof via hospital.

If your employer doubts? Contact Legal Aid Office Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364 for free advice.