Calamiteitenverlof

Calamiteitenverlof, or emergency leave, is a form of temporary leave available to employees in the Netherlands to handle urgent personal matters arising from a calamity. It is intended for situations that require immediate attention and cannot be postponed to a later time. Common examples include sudden illness or accident of a close family member, or events such as damage to the employee’s home that demand swift action.

The availability, duration and whether calamiteitenverlof is paid or unpaid depend on the applicable collective labor agreement (cao), the employer’s policy, and the individual employment contract. In practice, many caa’s specify a limited number of days per incident, and payment arrangements may vary. Because it is not universal statutory entitlement in all cases, employees should consult their cao or contract to determine the precise terms.

To request calamiteitenverlof, an employee typically informs the employer as soon as possible and provides a brief description of the emergency. In some situations, the employer may request supporting information or documentation. The decision to grant the leave and its duration is at the employer’s discretion within the bounds of the applicable rules.

Calamiteitenverlof is distinct from other forms of leave, such as annual leave, care leave, or parental leave. It is designed for unforeseen, urgent events rather than planned or routine matters, and it may be combined with other leave types when appropriate.