Work

In the Netherlands, there are rules to ensure safe work and fair employment. These rules cover your wages, your working hours and safety at work.

Working as an employee

If you work as an employee you work for a boss. In that case, you have a right to breaks, safe working conditions and vacation days. You also have a right to the minimum wage or the wage specified in your CAO. You can take vacation days and your employer is not allowed to fire you without good reason. Your rights and duties are set out in your contract of employment. Always ask for a written contract and a payslip.

If you are an employee, what do you have to do?

Besides rights, you have duties. You have to do your work well, follow the rules at your work, and comply with arrangements concerning your tasks, wages and working hours. This also helps you to enjoy working with your employer and colleagues and stay in work.

Self-employment

If you are an independent contractor or self-employed person, you work for yourself. You do not have an employer that pays wages or takes care of insurance matters for you. You arrange work for yourself, set your own rates and take out your own insurance. You have more freedom, but you also have more responsibilities and have to arrange everything yourself.

Help with problems

Are you having problems at work, such as working in dangerous conditions, not being paid enough wages, or working without a contract? You get help from Het Juridisch Loket, the FairWork foundation, a Work in NL information point, your union or your municipality. You can also file an anonymous complaint with the Netherlands Labour Authority.

Frequently asked questions

• What is good employment in the Netherlands? Good employment means fair wages, a safe workplace, sufficient breaks and clear arrangements. You know when you work and what you earn, and you are allowed to rest. You get vacation days and in many cases extra money, such as holiday pay. The rules apply to everyone in employment, including people who do not come from the Netherlands.
• What do I need to do if my workplace is unsafe? Talk to your employer or team leader first. If that does not help, contact the Netherlands Labour Authority. You can also make an anonymous report of dangerous working conditions. Safety at work is a right in the Netherlands. You are not allowed to do dangerous work without instruction or protection, such as a helmet or special clothing.
• Who can help me if I have problems at work? You can get help from Het Juridish Loket, the FairWork foundation, a Work in NL information point, your union or your municipality. Sometimes help is available in your language. You can also file an anonymous complaint with the Netherlands Labour Authority. You can always get help with serious problems, such as violence or abuse, even if you do not have any papers.