Employment lawyer for civil servants – Specialist in Wnra & integrity issues

085 – 017 00 05

info@fzadvocaten.nl

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Legal advice on dismissal, integrity investigations, and labor disputes

Since January 1, 2020, the legal status of civil servants has changed significantly due to the Civil Servants (Normalization of Legal Status) Act (Wnra).

Since then, most civil servants fall under civil employment law instead of administrative law. This means: an employment contract, application of regular dismissal law, and proceedings before the Cantonal Court.

Integrity and employment law: double rules for civil servants

But please note: in addition to regular employment law, specific integrity rules continue to apply, such as the National Government Integrity Code of Conduct or municipal Integrity Codes. It is precisely this combination that makes civil service cases legally complex, aside from the fact that there is sometimes a tension between political interests and the civil servant’s own interests.

Our experienced employment lawyers specialize in assisting civil servants where the aforementioned areas of tension exist and there is a threat of dismissal, an integrity investigation, or a labor dispute.

What does the Wnra mean for you as a civil servant?

Due to the Wnra, your legal status is largely the same as that of employees in the private sector:

you have an employment contract instead of a unilateral appointment;
regular dismissal law applies (UWV or Cantonal Court);
your terms of employment are regulated in a Collective Labor Agreement (CAO);
in the event of a labor dispute, the Cantonal Court has jurisdiction.

As a civil servant, you are bound by additional standards, such as:

you have an employment contract instead of a unilateral appointment;
regular dismissal law applies (UWV or Cantonal Court);
your terms of employment are regulated in a Collective Labor Agreement (CAO);
in the event of a labor dispute, the Cantonal Court has jurisdiction.

Experienced employment lawyer for civil servants

Our employment lawyers have extensive experience with:

Dismissal following an integrity investigation

Suspension or administrative leave

Settlement agreements

Proceedings before the Cantonal Court

Reputational damage and matters of trust

We understand how government employers operate and know how integrity files are built. This allows us to quickly assess where your legal opportunities lie and how your position can best be protected.

Why timely legal advice is crucial

In integrity matters, a file is often formed at an early stage.
Early assistance from a specialized employment lawyer for civil servants can make the difference between dismissal or retaining your position, and between an unfavorable settlement or a strong negotiating position.

Need help as a civil servant?

Are you a civil servant facing dismissal, an integrity investigation, or a labor dispute? Our employment lawyers have experience in assisting civil servants at the level of the National Government, Ministries, Provinces, Water Boards, and Municipalities, as well as civil servants working at independent administrative bodies such as the UWV, SVB, or De Nederlandsche Bank.

Frequently asked questions answered