De Unie, in your interest

How about overtime?

There is no specific legislation for overtime. When your employer asks you to work overtime, you cannot simply refuse that request. The number of hours you are allowed to work is of course laid down in the Working Hours Act, but agreements regarding overtime are often laid down in your collective labor agreement, employment contract or internal company regulations.

Is nothing included about overtime? Then make concrete agreements with your employer, so that you know exactly where you stand. The general rules, as stated in the Working Hours Act, are as follows:

  • You may work a maximum of 12 hours per shift;
  • You may work a maximum of 60 hours per week;
  • In a period of 4 weeks you can work an average of a maximum of 55 hours per week. Your collective labor agreement may contain different agreements, but with a maximum of 60 hours per week;
  • You are allowed to work an average of a maximum of 16 hours per week per 48-week period.