Is May 5th a public holiday in the Netherlands?
Many people wonder every year whether they are free from work on Liberation Day. The answer is not the same for everyone: it depends on what is stated in your collective labor agreement. In this article we explain exactly how 5 May is a (paid) day off, what the law says, and what your rights are as an employee. This way you know exactly what to expect on this national holiday.
5 May
On May 5th we celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945 and that we have lived in freedom ever since. On that day we also reflect on the value of freedom, democracy and human rights.
What does the government say about May 5?
There is no law that states that public holidays are days off for employees. This means that there is no legal right to a day off on a specific public holiday. Collective labour agreements – or the employment conditions of employees where no collective labour agreements apply – state whether employees have days off on public holidays. Since agreements in collective labour agreements are reached in negotiations between social partners, it is their authority to make agreements about this. If social partners consider it important that 5 May is a day off, they can (and must) arrange this at the collective labour agreement table. Given this own authority, it is not up to the government to intervene in the considerations that social partners make to make 5 May a mandatory day off.
Want to read more about all Dutch national holidays?
Summary: Are you entitled to a day off on May 5?
- May 5 is not a legally required holiday.
- You are only free if this has been agreed in your collective labor agreement or contract.
- In anniversary years (e.g. 2025, 2030) some employers do give time off.
- Are you in doubt? Check your collective labor agreement or consult with your employer.
De Unie
As mentioned, social partners decide whether or not to designate national and recognized holidays as mandatory days off. This means that the government does not designate Liberation Day as a mandatory day off, even if it does so on May 5. This will really have to be arranged in your collective labor agreement itself. De Unie want to go for this!
Frequently asked questions about May 5 Liberation Day
(click on the question to read the answer)
Is May 5th a mandatory holiday in the Netherlands?
No, May 5 is not a legally required day off. Only in anniversary years (such as 2025 or 2030) can it be an official day off. Whether you are actually free depends on what is stated in your collective labor agreement or employment contract.
Am I entitled to continued pay if I am off work on May 5?
Some collective labor agreements stipulate that May 5 is a paid day off – especially in anniversary years. In other collective labor agreements this is not the case and you simply have to work or take leave. Always consult your collective labor agreement for the exact agreements.
What if there is nothing about May 5 in my collective labor agreement?
If there are no agreements about May 5 in your collective labor agreement or contract, then it is a regular working day. You can request leave, but your employer may refuse it.
Is May 5 always considered a public holiday?
Yes, May 5 is officially Liberation Day and a national holiday. But that does not automatically mean it is a free or paid day. Only King's Day and Christmas Day are legally required free holidays.
