Basic rights at work
Sources checked on · Draft pending human review · Translated from the Spanish original
Working through an agency or on a temporary contract does not take away your rights. There is a statutory minimum wage, breaks, holidays and organisations you can turn to.
Steps
- You are entitled to a contract and a payslip that shows what you earn.
- Your employer must not pay you less than the minimum wage. Only certain deductions are allowed from it, such as housing or health insurance, and only with your prior consent.
- If you work through an agency, your pay, breaks and holidays must match those of permanent staff at the company where you work, according to WorkinNL.
- There are limits on working hours and compulsory breaks.
- Work must be safe: training, protective equipment and instructions you understand.
- If something goes wrong, you can report it to the Labour Authority, contact a union or get legal guidance.
Official sources
- WorkinNL: minimum wage
- WorkinNL: employment agency
- Netherlands Labour Authority
- Juridisch Loket: legal guidance
Deadlines, amounts and requirements change. Always check them with the source.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be dismissed for complaining?
Take your case to a legal guidance service before taking any steps.
Can I report anonymously?
Check the labour authority’s website to see which channels it offers.
What if I lose my job and my housing is tied to it?
Check your contract and ask for guidance immediately. It is a situation worth having a plan for.
Related
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Your first 30 days in the Netherlands
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Does your case not fit? Read about personal guidance. This is general information, not legal, employment or tax advice.