Overtime Must Be Paid!

Must overtime always be paid?

In principle YES! If you work more than your contractual hours, you are entitled to payment for those extra hours.

The exact arrangement depends on:

• Your employment contract
• The CAO (Collective Labor Agreement) of your sector
• Agreements with your employer

How is overtime usually paid?

Standard arrangements in many CAOs:

• 150% of your normal hourly wage (1.5× payment)
• Some CAOs: 125% or 200% depending on time
• Evening/night/weekend: often higher surcharges

Alternative: compensation in time off (for example 1 hour overtime = 1.5 hours off)

Maximum working hours per week

The Working Hours Act sets limits on working hours:

• Average maximum of 48 hours per week (over 4 weeks)
• Maximum 60 hours in 1 week
• Minimum 11 hours rest per day
• Minimum 36 hours rest per week

Do you structurally work more than 60 hours per week? This is illegal and dangerous for your health!

What to do with unpaid overtime?

1. Keep evidence
   • Note all worked hours (schedule, time registration, WhatsApp)
2. Request payment
   • Address your employer (in writing)
3. Check your CAO
   • See what the arrangement is in your sector
4. Get help if refused
   • FNV Union: fnv.nl
   • Legal Aid: 0900-8020
   • Labor Inspectorate SZW: 0800-5151

What evidence do you need?

Collect as much evidence as possible of your overtime:

• Schedules and work rosters
• Time registration (photos, screenshots)
• WhatsApp messages from your employer
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Payslips (for comparison)

Check your CAO

Many sectors have a CAO with specific rules for overtime. Ask your employer which CAO applies, or look this up via cao.fnv.nl. The CAO states exactly how much surcharge you should receive.

Extra surcharges for irregular hours

Do you work at night, on weekends or public holidays? Then you are often entitled to extra surcharges:

• Night work (00:00-06:00): often 120-150% surcharge
• Weekend work: often 125-200% surcharge
• Public holidays: often 150-200% surcharge

Time compensation instead of money?

Some employers give compensation hours instead of extra payment. This is only allowed if stated in your contract or CAO. You must actually receive and be able to take those free hours!

Need more information?

Chat directly with our AI assistant or check our other guides:

• Minimum Wage - Check if you earn enough
• Rent Calculator - Check if your rent is too high
• Dismissal during illness - Is this allowed?