Working in a new country can be exciting. There are many new rules, expectations and ways of working coming your way. Fortunately, in the Netherlands you don’t have to worry about your rights as an employee. Dutch law protects both Dutch and foreign employees. In this blog you can read about your rights if you work in the Netherlands through Charlie works.
Equal treatment and fair wages
In the Netherlands, the rule is: everyone who works is entitled to equal treatment and a fair wage. This means that you will be paid the same as your Dutch colleague who does the same work.
The government sets a minimum wage every year. If you work through Charlie works, you will receive at least the statutory amount or more, depending on your position and experience. The agreements in your contract are also always checked according to Dutch law and collective labor agreements (cao).
More information about the minimum wage can be found at the Rijksoverheid.
Safety and health in the workplace
Every employee in the Netherlands has the right to a safe and healthy working environment. Employers must ensure that the workplace meets all safety standards.
At Charlie works, we ensure that you always receive the correct work clothing and protective equipment and that you know how to work safely. We only work with companies that comply with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbeidsomstandighedenwet).
Would you like to know more about your rights to a safe workplace? Then view Arboportaal.nl.
Right to payment of wages and clear contracts
If you work, you are entitled to timely and correct payment of your wages. At Charlie works you will receive your salary weekly, with a clear payslip on which you can see exactly what you have earned and which taxes have been withheld.
You will also always receive an employment contract in which your hours, salary and other conditions are clearly stated. This way you know exactly where you stand.
Holiday pay and days off
As an employee in the Netherlands, you are entitled to vacation days and holiday pay.
- You accrue a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year (for a full-time job).
- You will also receive holiday pay, usually 8% of your gross annual salary.
At Charlie works, this is automatically arranged according to the collective labor agreement. You can clearly see the accrual of your vacation days and holiday pay on your payslip.
Social security and insurance in case of illness
If you work in the Netherlands, you are automatically affiliated with the Dutch social security system. This means that you are insured in the event of illness and are entitled to continued payment of wages if you are temporarily unable to work.
At Charlie works, we ensure that this is well organized. We also help you take out mandatory health insurance, so that you are also protected against medical costs. Read more about this on the website of the national government.
Right to good housing
Many foreign employees live temporarily in the Netherlands. At Charlie works, we provide organized housing that meets Dutch standards. This means a safe, clean and comfortable place to live, close to your work.
We work according to the guidelines of the Stichting Normering Flexwonen (SNF), which monitors the quality of housing for international employees.
Help and support with questions
At Charlie works you are never alone. Our coordinators and consultants are there to help you with questions about your work, your contract or your rights. We speak several languages and ensure that you understand what applies in your situation. Whether it concerns salary, safety or housing, we ensure that everything runs clearly and fairly.
Conclusion
As a foreign employee in the Netherlands, you have the same rights as everyone who works here. You are entitled to a fair wage, safe working conditions, holiday pay, social security and a good place to live. At Charlie works, we believe it is important that you know what you are entitled to and that you get what you deserve.
Working through Charlie works
Would you like to work in the Netherlands for a reliable employer that respects your rights and arranges everything well? Then view our vacancies at Charlie works and discover what we can do for you.
