Employment Law

Our practice

ZL Attorneys advises employers and employees on employment contracts, dismissal issues and workplace disputes in Curaçao. The applicable rules depend on the employment relationship and jurisdiction; advice should reflect those facts before a decision is made.

Employment law covers every legal aspect of the relationship between employer and employee, in both the private and the public sector. Our work includes:

• Drawing up and assessing employment contracts
• Negotiating and developing procedures for redundancy schemes, suspensions and individual or collective dismissals
• Advising and litigating on the right to strike
• Support during reorganizations
• Employee participation
• Social security, equal opportunity and pensions

Reviewing an employment contract

A contract review starts with the proposed role and working relationship. Provide the draft or signed contract, amendments, job description, relevant workplace policies and any collective agreement said to apply. Identify the provisions that concern you, such as remuneration, duration, working arrangements, confidentiality or restrictions after departure.

For employers preparing a new role, the Curaçao hiring checklist helps organize the information. For ongoing HR policies or a wider workforce project, see labor law and HR support.

Dismissal and workplace disputes

Explain what has happened, what decision has been communicated and what you need to resolve. Useful records include the employment agreement, relevant correspondence, pay records and any notices or proposed settlement. Provide the dates of events and any response or hearing deadline.

The appropriate approach depends on the employment relationship, the facts and the applicable rules. An employer considering a change and an employee responding to a decision may need different advice. Our dismissal preparation guide sets out issues to raise before assuming a particular route or outcome.

Preparing the first discussion

Identify the employer, employee and any other involved parties for a conflict check. State whether you need a contract review, advice before a decision, negotiations or assistance with an existing dispute. Discuss the immediate deadline, the scope of work and the fee arrangement before proceeding.

Advice for both sides

Employment law is complex for employers and employees alike. Clear advice helps both sides understand their rights and obligations, and prevents disputes.

For ongoing HR policies, benefits, work permits and collective arrangements, see our labor law practice. For a particular contract or dispute, contact our team with a brief outline of the issue and any relevant deadline.