The Ondernemingsraad (OR) represents employees in organisations with 50 or more workers, as required by the Wet op de Ondernemingsraden (WOR). Members are elected from the workforce for a fixed term, meet regularly with the director, and hold two core powers: advisory rights (adviesrecht) on major economic decisions such as reorganisation, and consent rights (instemmingsrecht) on key HR policies including working hours, pensions, sickness policy, and data processing of personnel.
The employer must provide the OR with sufficient time, facilities, training, and information to carry out its duties. Failure to seek advice or consent where required can result in a decision being suspended or overturned by the Enterprise Chamber.
For organisations just under the threshold, the lighter personeelsvertegenwoordiging (PVT) applies. Growing employers should prepare early, as the OR obligation takes effect once the 50-employee threshold is reached and is checked by the labour inspectorate during audits.