Collective redundancies (dismissal of at least 6 employees in companies with 21-59 workers, at least 10% (or 26) in companies with 60-499 workers, or at least 30 dismissals in larger firms) have to be announced to the public authorities and only come into effect if they are approved by the authorities within three weeks time. The law does not foresee any penalties for the employer in case of non-compliance.

Since 2004, the employment protection act only applies to establishments with a minimum of ten full-time workers on permanent contracts. Workers working in the establishment for at least six months who object to their individual dismissal on social grounds may turn to the works council for complaint. The works council shall consult with the employer to find a solution.

In case a works council is not in place the individual worker has to appeal to the labour court.