Collective Labour Agreement (Horeca): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how this industry agreement protects hospitality workers regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, and shift allowances in the Netherlands.
This is an industry-wide agreement that sets the standard rules and protections for employment within the hospitality sector. It acts as a framework to ensure workers in the industry receive fair treatment regarding their pay and working hours.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed specifically for employees working within the hospitality sector. If you work in a hospitality role, this agreement is the primary tool used to define your rights and responsibilities as a worker.
What you get
The agreement provides a standardized set of benefits and protections to ensure consistency across the industry. Specifically, it outlines the rules for your minimum wage to ensure you are paid fairly. It also establishes clear guidelines for overtime rules, so you know how extra hours are handled, and sets the standards for shift allowances to compensate you for working non-standard hours.
What it costs you
There is no direct cost or fee to benefit from the protections outlined in this industry agreement. However, to ensure you are receiving the correct benefits, you must take the time to check your employment contract. You should look specifically for the phrase 'CAO van toepassing' to confirm that the agreement is legally applied to your specific work situation.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that not all restaurants or hospitality businesses follow this specific agreement. Because it is not automatically universal for every single establishment, you must check your contract very carefully to verify that the Horeca agreement is the one governing your employment.
How to apply
- Carefully read through your employment contract provided by your employer.
- Locate the section regarding which industry agreement applies to your role.
- Confirm if the "CAO van toepassing" clause is present in your documentation.
- If the agreement is listed, you can use it to verify your pay and hours; if you have doubts, consult your employer or a union representative.