Unpaid overtime in the Netherlands
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Payment for extra hours depends on the contract, collective agreement (cao) and circumstances. There is no single overtime percentage that applies to every Dutch job.
On this page
1. Check the facts
Compare contracted hours with the hours actually worked. Record who requested or approved extra work, including rosters and messages. Separate overtime from irregular-hours allowances and ordinary hours missing from the payslip.
2. Take action
Check whether compensation is money, time off or already included under an applicable arrangement. Ask the employer to explain the calculation in writing. Voluntarily staying longer is not automatically treated like requested overtime.
3. If the problem continues
If you still disagree, present a dated hours overview and the contract or cao clause you rely on. Ask a union or adviser to check the claim, especially where minimum pay or excessive working hours are involved. Keep recording future hours accurately.
My roster and payslip show different hours. Where do I start?
Compare the same dates and note breaks, time off and approved extra shifts. Explain the difference per day rather than sending only a monthly total. Keep the relevant contract or cao clause with the calculation. First establish the hours before discussing an overtime rate.
Documents to prepare
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Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Contract, cao and handbook
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Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
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0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
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Clear entries
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- Contract, cao and handbook
- Rosters and approval messages
- Payslips and time-off records
Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Het Juridisch Loket ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.