As spring arrives and Easter is just around the corner, we would like to share a short and practical update on recent developments in Dutch employment law. Much like the season itself, the legal landscape is shifting. With...more
In this episode of Employment and Benefits Unpacked, Mayer Brown employment lawyers Pauline Stadler (Frankfurt) and Marine Hamon (Paris) explore the critical labor law considerations that arise in cross-border transactions,...more
As economic pressures continue into 2026, multinational employers are once again planning large-scale workforce reductions. Many approach these reductions as they would in the United States—as coordinated, single-day events...more
The German quadrennial works council elections in spring 2026 are approaching. The modern workplace—with matrix structures, platform work, and home office arrangements—raises questions of who is entitled to vote, and where...more
The year 2025 brought a wide range of employment law decisions with major practical impact. Both the Federal Labor Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) addressed key issues on protection against...more
On November 20, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main (Ref. 5 U 15/24) ruled that the extraordinary termination of a managing director without notice due to improper favoritism is effective. Simply approving an...more
Navigating redundancies under German labour law can be complex and requires careful planning to avoid legal pitfalls. Our updated Client Note provides a concise overview of the key considerations when dealing with significant...more
German labour law is a complex system shaped by various legal sources, including federal legislation, collective bargaining agreements, works council agreements, and case law. This Client Note provides an overview of its...more
The tradition of works council co-determination is deeply rooted in German labour law, dating back to the Weimar Republic. Over the decades, the legal framework has evolved significantly, strengthening the role and influence...more
The EU Pay Transparency Directive (2023/970), adopted in May 2023, aims to close the gender pay gap and strengthen enforcement of the principle of equal pay for equal work. It introduces binding obligations for employers to...more
Germany’s regular Works Council elections will take place between March and May 2026. Expect increased employee engagement and, in some cases, first time election initiatives. Now is the time to prepare to manage process,...more
In its ruling of August 20, 2025 (Ref.: 10 SLa 2/25), the Munich Regional Labor Court (LAG Munich) decided that an employee who takes preparatory steps to establish a works council during the first six months of their...more
On June 18, 2025, the Federal Labour Court (BAG) ruled on the appeal of a works council member (case reference: 7 AZR 50/24). The plaintiff was employed based on a fixed-term employment contract. This contract was concluded...more
The EU Pay Transparency Directive (the “Directive”), adopted in May 2023, introduces sweeping changes aimed at narrowing the gender pay gap across Europe. With a transposition deadline of 7 June 2026, Dutch employers have...more
European Works Councils - TRILOGUE CONSENSUS MARKS TURNING POINT IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS - 1. POLITICAL BREAKTHROUGH: (ALMOST) FINAL TEXT OF THE DRAFT REVISED DIRECTIVE ON EUROPEAN WORKS COUNCILS - On 28 May 2025, the...more
In a time of ultra-connected communication tools and work from home, the access rights of a France-based company’s works council (WC) to its electronic and internal communication resources is a necessity now more than ever....more
In corporate transactions involving Dutch entities—whether it’s a merger, acquisition, carve-out, or internal restructuring—the focus is often on deal mechanics, tax optimization, and regulatory clearance. But one area...more
For the first time, a French court has ruled on the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) processes within a company....more
Germany’s recent federal election signaled a shift in the country’s politics – and employers will surely feel the impact. The center-right Christian Democratic Union and its sister party, the Christian Social Union, won the...more
The concept of works council participation has a long tradition in Germany, dating back to the Weimar Republic following World War I. Information and consultation rights for employee representatives were introduced by the...more
No es raro en el entorno actual que la expresión individual choque con las normas del lugar de trabajo. De hecho, las declaraciones de los empleados – tanto públicas como privadas – pueden tener un gran impacto en la...more
It’s not uncommon in today’s environment for individual expression to clash with workplace norms. Indeed, employee statements — both public and private — can have a major impact on workplace civility. Under German employment...more
Zahlt der Arbeitgeber auf eine für die Betriebsratsarbeit vorgelegte Rechnung, obwohl die darin enthaltenen Kosten nicht vom Arbeitgeber zu tragen sind, bleibt der Arbeitgeber gleichwohl auf den Kosten sitzen. Er kann den zu...more
This webinar will cover Remuneration of works councils – the new draft law in response to the BGH’s criminal judgment. After the expert commission “Legal certainty in works council remuneration” set up by the Federal...more
We cordially invite you to the next edition of our online event series HR NEWS. Topic this time: Remuneration of works councils - what does the BGH ruling mean?...more