Rights of Temporary Workers

1. Minimum Wage

The temp agency MUST pay you at least €14.71 per hour (21+). Earning less? That's illegal.

2. Written Contract

You must receive a written employment contract within 1 month. It must state:

• Your hourly or monthly wage
• How many hours you work
• When your contract ends (for temporary contracts)
• Which phase you have (A, B or C)

3. Payslip

Every month you must receive a payslip stating:

• How many hours you worked
• Your gross wage
• Tax and premiums deducted
• Your net wage

4. Holiday Pay & Holiday Days

• Holiday pay: 8% of your annual salary (usually paid in May)
• Holiday days: Minimum 4× your work week per year (20 days for fulltime)

5. Continued Payment During Illness

If you're sick, the temp agency must continue paying your wages:

• Year 1: Minimum 70% of your wage
• Year 2: Minimum 70% of your wage
• The temp agency may NOT dismiss you because you're sick

Phase A (0-78 weeks)

• Temporary contracts
• Temp agency can terminate contract (with notice period)
• Maximum 4 temporary contracts
• You build unemployment benefits rights

Phase B (78-156 weeks / 1.5-3 years)

• Still temporary
• More dismissal protection
• Client must pay 'equal pay for equal work'
• You receive same employment conditions as permanent employees

Phase C (after 156 weeks / 3 years)

• Permanent contract!
• Temp agency cannot dismiss you easily
• Full dismissal protection
• Right to severance pay upon dismissal

1. No Contract Received

Illegal! The temp agency MUST give you a written contract within 1 month. Not receiving one? Contact Labor Inspectorate immediately.

2. Underpaid

Check your payslip:

• Do the hours match?
• Are you receiving at least €14.71 per hour (21+)?
• Are you getting paid for overtime?

3. Dismissal Without Reason

In Phase A the temp agency may terminate your contract, but:

• They must observe the notice period (usually 1 month)
• You may NOT be dismissed during illness
• You may NOT be dismissed during pregnancy

4. Forced Overtime

You MAY say no to overtime. The temp agency or client cannot force you to work more hours than stated in your contract.

5. Rent Deducted by Temp Agency

Some temp agencies arrange housing. They may deduct maximum 25% of your minimum wage for rent. Paying more? That's illegal.

May a temp agency stop deploying me because I filed a complaint?

No! This is called 'retaliation' and is forbidden. If you file a complaint with Labor Inspectorate or hire a lawyer, the temp agency may NOT punish you for this. If they do, you can go to court.

Must I be a member of ABU to be protected?

No, the ABU (General Association of Temp Agencies) is an industry association that temp agencies can join. You don't need to be a member. Your rights always apply, whether the temp agency is an ABU member or not.

Can I get a permanent contract directly with the client?

Yes, but usually you must work through the temp agency for 6 months first before the client may take you over (without paying a 'takeover fee' to the temp agency). Check your contract for exact conditions.