{"id":4440,"date":"2026-05-31T19:17:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T19:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arbeidsjurist-eindhoven.nl\/?p=4440"},"modified":"2026-10-09T12:07:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:07:30","slug":"refusing-settlement-agreement-in-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arbeidsjurist-eindhoven.nl\/en\/kennisbank\/vaststellingsovereenkomst-weigeren-bij-conflict-risicos-alternatieven\/","title":{"rendered":"Refusing a settlement agreement during a dispute: what are the risks and alternatives?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Refusing a settlement agreement in the event of a conflict?<\/h2>\n

Als je werkgever je een settlement agreement<\/a><\/a> aanbiedt na een conflict, ben je absoluut niet verplicht om die te tekenen. Weigeren is je goed recht, maar het is slim om eerst goed na te denken over wat dat betekent voor jouw situatie. Er kleven namelijk zowel voordelen als risico’s aan een weigering, en die lopen per situatie sterk uiteen.<\/p>\n

Are you entitled to simply refuse a settlement agreement?<\/h2>\n

Yes, you may refuse. A settlement agreement (VSO) in a conflict situation only comes into existence if both parties agree. Your employer cannot force you to sign. It is an offer, not an obligation. At the same time, refusing is not without consequences; the conflict will then continue and your employer may take other steps to bring the employment relationship to an end.<\/p>\n

It is therefore wise not to react impulsively, but to assess the situation carefully. What exactly does the VSO say? What is your position if you refuse? And what steps can your employer take afterwards?<\/p>\n

Wat zijn de risico’s als je weigert?<\/h2>\n

Refusing may be the right choice, but it is important to be aware of the possible consequences.<\/p>\n

Your employer can initiate dismissal proceedings<\/h3>\n

If you do not sign the VSO, your employer is free to apply for dismissal through UWV or the subdistrict court. Where the working relationship has broken down irreparably, the court may dissolve the employment contract, sometimes on less favourable terms than those offered in the VSO. You will then have less influence over the outcome.<\/p>\n

The situation in the workplace may deteriorate<\/h3>\n

After a refusal, the atmosphere at work may come under further pressure. This is stressful, particularly if you are already in a conflict situation. In some cases, duties may be adjusted, responsibilities removed, or pressure increased. This is not always permitted in law, but it can occur in practice.<\/p>\n

Your entitlement to unemployment benefit (WW) does not change automatically<\/h3>\n

A common misconception is that refusing automatically leads to loss of your unemployment benefit (WW) entitlement. That is not necessarily the case. Whether your WW entitlement is protected depends on how the dismissal ultimately proceeds. In dismissal proceedings through the court or UWV, you will in most cases retain your WW entitlement, provided you have not acted in a culpable manner. Always have this checked carefully by a specialist.<\/p>\n

When is refusing actually the wiser choice?<\/h2>\n

There are situations in which refusing a VSO is a considered and sensible decision. Consider the following circumstances:<\/p>\n