Labor dispute study costs

Questioner

I had a temporary employment contract of 7 months with a real estate agent in Utrecht. The working conditions were terrible, there was bullying (especially colleagues of mine were belittled) and even physical objects were thrown and the workload was far too high, I had a panic attack because of it. After this I started working less in consultation with the company doctor and within 4 to 5 weeks I was working full-time again. Before my panic attack my bosses were very complimentary about me and I also received written confirmation of this. The attitude of my bosses changed negatively after this incident and they ignored me and pushed me to work more. Finally I had the conversation about a possible extension of employment, the reason they were not going to extend it was the click with the boss. After that I made peace with it because this was really a toxic workplace and no longer fun. 9 people left in one year of the approximately 14 who work there. Then I had to pay back all the study costs (1016.38 euros) and I also did not receive a high bonus (which every employee structurally received every year but was not contractually agreed upon) because they indicated that it was only for people who had performed well, while I had never heard a negative word about me or my performance. Then I started investigating whether it was reasonable that I had to pay back all the study costs. All case law states that it is not reasonable and fair, also because of my temporary contract and their termination. That is why I presented this to my boss. It was then verbally proposed that we would do 50/50. They withheld 500 euros from my final statement without my consent. Then I wanted to investigate how things were with the study costs and bonus. Then I contacted Achmea legal assistance. They advised me to send a letter about the bonus. This made them angry and they are now also demanding the other part of the study costs (516.38). I have received a number of fake reminders with incorrect amounts, an incorrect name and not registered or with read confirmation and have not paid anything to date. Now they have sent Achmea another message that if I do not pay within 2 weeks, the collection costs will also be for me. My question now is: what should I do? Do I have to pay it or can I take other steps? It feels very much like I have been wronged and I would like to find out before I pay anything. I will definitely file a complaint with the labor inspectorate because what happens there on the work floor is not normal. I have also collected a file with emails that my bosses send about the employees but also racist things that they say about other people. I would like to hear from you how I can tackle this.

Lawyer

Dear, There are indeed a number of conditions that a study costs clause must meet or a possible repayment obligation for these study costs. As I read it now, I indeed wonder whether it is reasonable that you are expected to repay these costs. Could you please contact me so that I can discuss this with you?