Can my employer simply recover work-related study costs from me if my contract is not extended?

Questioner

My employer did not extend my fixed-term contract. I do not agree with the reason, but that is another discussion. Now he has withheld my tuition fees from the final settlement in December. The tuition fees were made for training courses that were specifically aimed at my work. Can my employer just do this?

Lawyer

Was there a tuition fee clause? How long did you work there? What is the reason for dismissal? After answering the above questions I can give you a ,. ber, answer.

Questioner

There was a tuition fee clause in the contract. The reason for not extending the employment contract was that I did not adhere to the corona rules during a short stay in Belgium at the beginning of October. Which is not correct because I was there partly for work at Shimano as a mechanic and I also have a contract there, which was known to my employer. I worked there for 2 years.

Lawyer

Did you sign the study costs clause? If so, then it is not valid. If so, does the employer apply this correctly? Considering the length of the employment and the reason for termination, there is something to be said against the employer's position in case it is applied correctly. I would object to the employer in any case. If the employer persists, I advise you to contact a specialized labor law attorney (member of a specialist association) as soon as possible. The first consultation is often free.