Facts
A teacher at an elementary school for special education wanted to take her class to the Efteling for a day. The principal of the school from Amsterdam-Zuidoost thought this was too expensive and wanted her to take the children to Space Expo in Noordwijk. The teacher didn't listen to that. She secretly went anyway, together with an external guide, who covered the extra costs, in two vans, to the Efteling on March 10, 2023. After this, the teacher wrote a piece in the newsletter to parents about the visit to the Space Expo. The school found out that the teacher had lied because one of the vans had been fined for speeding on the A2, in the direction of the Efteling. The school entered into a conversation with the teacher, who explained that she had done this because she thought it would be fun to surprise the children, "mostly from underprivileged families," with the day at the amusement park.
Instant dismissal
The school did not understand this and summarily dismissed the teacher. The teacher did not agree and went to court. In the proceedings, the school explained, among other things, that the Efteling was not educational at all, that it had been dangerous for the young children because too few supervisors had been present, and that the school's insurance might not have covered any damages. The judge agreed with the school. The dismissal was justified. The teacher had taken an unacceptable risk that could have led to very serious consequences.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom, employment lawyer at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists entrepreneurs daily with a wide range of employment-related matters. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and policies – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more?Visit Stijn's page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to think with you if you have questions on the subject of summary dismissal. Please feel free to contact us .
June 2024
