Artikel 19: Employment; workers’ legal status; work

Artikel 19
  1. It shall be the concern of the authorities to promote the provision of sufficient employment.
  2. Rules concerning the legal status and protection of working persons and concerning co-determination shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.
  3. The right of every Dutch national to work shall be recognised, without prejudice to the restrictions laid down by pursuant to Act of Parliament.

Explanation

Please note: Only the Dutch-language version of the Constitution has legal effect. 

Article 19 contains basic provisions on employment. Promoting employment is a responsibility of the authorities. It also instructs the legislature to set out broad rules on workers’ legal status, occupational protection and employee participation. In principle, every Dutch national is free to choose their work.

One example of legislation implementing this duty is the Work and Income Implementation Structure Act.