afdanking

Afdanking is the act of terminating an employment relationship or removing someone from a position, typically initiated by an employer. The term is used in Dutch-language contexts and is closely related to ontslag. Afdanking covers dismissals for a range of reasons, including redundancy due to organizational changes, underperformance, misconduct, or the expiry of a fixed-term contract.

Procedural and legal aspects vary by jurisdiction but generally require a valid reason and due process. In many systems the employer must provide written notice and observe a notice period; in some cases the dismissal must be approved by a labor authority or by a court. There are different routes for afdanking: dismissal following a court or administrative decision, dismissal by mutual agreement, or immediate dismissal (ontslag op staande voet) in cases of urgent cause. For economic dismissals, the employer may need to follow collective procedures and offer reemployment assistance where required. In many countries, the employee is entitled to a severance or transition payment and other post-employment benefits, depending on the contract and law.

If the dismissal is challenged, the employee can seek relief through a court or tribunal, which may order reinstatement, compensation, or damages. Employers are encouraged to ensure documentation of performance issues or business need to support the decision and to follow due process to minimize disputes.

In everyday usage, afdanking is part of broader labour law and human resources practice, intersecting with topics such as performance management, workforce planning, and collective agreements.