In the hospitality sector, employee participation is not yet well organised everywhere. This needs to improve. Therefore, De Horecabond will be working towards more and stronger employee participation in the coming years. Many employees do not know exactly what employee participation is. This is unfortunate, as it actually gives you more influence over your work.
What is employee participation?
Employee participation means that you can contribute ideas and discuss important decisions in your company. Sometimes you can also be involved in decision-making. You can bring up topics that are important on the work floor, such as schedules, changes in the company, training, or absenteeism. If you are part of a participation body, you act as a link between colleagues and management. You help ensure that both sides understand each other better.
Employee participation is also important for employers. Through the participation body, they receive information from the work floor. This allows them to make better decisions that align more closely with the wishes of employees. This often also leads to more support for changes.
What forms of employee participation are there?
The works councils Act (WOR) specifies what form of employee participation a company must have.
works council (OR)
Companies with 50 or more employees must have a works council. The OR has the most rights and powers. The OR:
- ensures good working conditions
- provides advice on business operations and the budget
- is involved in decisions about staff policy
- acts as a link between staff and management
- monitors:
- compliance with the CLA
- safe and healthy working conditions
Staff Representation (PVT)
Companies with 10 to 50 employees can have a staff representation if the majority of employees want it. The PVT has fewer rights than the OR but can still contribute ideas and provide advice on a limited number of topics.
Staff Meeting (PV)
If there is no PVT, the employer must organise at least two staff meetings per year. During these meetings, you discuss the company together. You receive information and can ask questions or give your opinion.
If there is no employee representation in your company yet, but you would like to organise this, De Horecabond is happy to help you. We have created a clear information brochure, where you can read more about employee representation and find a step-by-step guide to setting up a works council (OR) or staff representation (PVT). Or view our webpage with all the information about employee representation.
Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist you further.
Marlotte Ferouge
union representative hospitality