Dutch Labor Law. Expat Workers’ Rights in Netherlands
Dutch Labor Law. Expat Workers’ Rights in Netherlands
You don’t need to master Dutch labor law to negotiate your employment contract or to protect your job. But it wouldn’t hurt to know some basic rules and regulations. That way you can both negotiate your contract better and protect your job better in case of any wrongdoings. All things considered, it is always best to know what you are signing and what your duties and responsibilities are.
As in most countries and legal systems there are some universal rules applicable in Dutch labor law, such as trial period and notice period, employee dismissal protection and unemployment benefit payments. Here are some important points you might need to know about Dutch labor law.
Trial (Probation) Period
According to most European legal systems, the general trial period for both employers and employees is two months. That is the maximum duration but, in some cases, such as for contract fewer than two years, the duration of this period is one month.
The importance of this trial period is this; you can get fired effective immediately without a notice period in the first two months. But you can do the same and terminate your employment contract with immediate effect.
Holiday Allowance in Dutch Labor Law
The greatest thing about Dutch labor law is the uncommon holiday allowance. Holiday allowance is the Dutch government’s way of saying taking a summer holiday is very important for your mental health and in return more a more efficient working year.
Holiday allowance is roughly one paycheck (8 percent of your yearly salary) that is paid every year in May. So you don’t need to save money all year for your summer holiday.
Employee Dismissal Protection System in Netherlands
The best thing about Dutch labor law right after holiday allowance is employee dismissal protection system. According to Dutch regulations, long term contracts can only be terminated with either your consent, or UWV WERKbedrijf or the court. This gives you, the employee, extra protection and job security.
Unemployment Benefits in Netherlands
If you, as a working resident pay your mandatory Dutch social security contributions, you are entitled to receive benefits. To get these benefits, you must have completed a total of 26 of the last 36 working weeks.
Please consult an official government employee or an attorney for more accurate information.
Working Times and Breaks
A shift cannot be more than 12 hours. The maximum duration of a working week is 60 hours. 60 hours being the maximum duration, please note that, you may be still entitled to an afterhours pay. The reason is this, the maximum duration is 55 hours a week per average. If you work more than this average, you are entitled to a afterhours payment.
The other great thing about Dutch legal system is the mandatory 30-minute break. For every five and a half hours you work you are entitled to, and you are obligated to take this 30-minute break. This mandatory break becomes 45 minutes when working more than ten hours.
As stated above, we have just covered the basics. Please contact a lawyer experienced in Dutch labor law for more precise and accurate counsel. Also, you can find useful and more detailed information from the official authorities which are namely, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and UWV WERKbedrijf.
For more information about Dutch labor law you can contact us from below comment box.
If you want to get more information about Netherlands, you can check below titles as well;
Minimum Wage and Average Salaries in Netherlands
How to Find a Job in Netherlands