In the spring months of April and May we have many national holidays. But are all those national holidays actually also an official day off? There is sometimes confusion about that. We still have a few more credits. The first is King's Day on April 27, then Liberation Day, Ascension Day and Pentecost, the row closes last in May. Are these days really a day off? We will list how that works for you.
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Official national holiday, so free?
The law does not stipulate that certain public holidays are days off for employees. There is therefore no legal right to a day off on a particular public holiday. It is often arranged in your employment contract or the collective labor agreement whether you are free on public holidays. Some sectors will simply continue with the holidays, such as supermarkets, healthcare and catering.
So take a good look at what is stated in your terms of employment, collective labor agreement, contract or the personnel manual. Has it not been explicitly agreed that you are free on the holidays? Then your employer may schedule you, as these are 'normal' working days. For which you can also 'just' ask for free. Have you never had to work during public holidays in the past, but you suddenly have to this year? Then your employer must discuss this in advance - sometimes even with the works council or employee representatives.
The National holidays in April and May are:
- Good Friday: Friday, April 2, 2021
- Easter (Easter Monday and Monday): Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April 2021
- King's Day: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
- Liberation Day: Wednesday 5 May 2021 *
- Ascension Day: Thursday, May 13, 2021
- Pentecost (Whit Sunday and Whit Monday): Sunday 23 May and Monday 24 May 2021
* A common question is: 'am I free on May 5th?'. Liberation Day is often included once every five years as a day off in the collective labor agreement, company regulations or employment contract. The next time this will be in 2025. If nothing is included in your employment contract or collective labor agreement, you will not be free on 5 May.
Surcharge for working during the holidays
There is also often confusion about allowances for working on Sundays and public holidays, for example. If you have to work on a public holiday, the employer does not have to pay you extra salary. Some collective labor agreements or employment contracts state that you are entitled to, for example, 200% wages or an allowance of 50% of the wages if you work on a public holiday. So check carefully whether you are entitled to this. And should you receive a supplement, but has your employer not paid it? Then be sure to discuss it.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about working during the holidays? Then take contact us. We are happy to help you. We can be reached by phone on 0345 - 851 963, and you can also email us at sc@unie.nl.
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Have a nice days!