Are you considering starting work through a staffing agency, but have doubts about job security? That's an understandable thought. Many people think temporary work is less stable than a 'regular' job. Good news: as a temporary worker in the Netherlands, you're excellently protected. You have clear rights that are laid down in a collective labour agreement (cao). At Versado, we think it's important that you know exactly where you stand.
The NBBU cao: the basis for your security
Versado is affiliated with the NBBU, the Dutch Federation of Private Employment Agencies. This means we work according to the NBBU cao. Think of this cao as a big rulebook containing all the agreements about your work. This includes your salary, the number of vacation days, continued payment during illness, and your pension. It ensures everything is arranged fairly and transparently, so you can focus on your work.
The phase system: clarity and growth in your contract
The cao for temporary workers operates with a phase system. This system is designed to give you increasing security the longer you work through a staffing agency. It consists of three phases: 1/2, 3, and 4.
Phase 1/2
This is the starting phase, which lasts a maximum of 52 worked weeks. During this period, you can work for various clients. It's a flexible phase in which you can discover which type of work suits you best. If an assignment ends? Then your contract for that assignment ends too. But even in this phase, you still accrue vacation days and holiday pay.
Phase 3
After 52 weeks in phase 1/2, you move into phase 3. This phase lasts a maximum of three years. During this period, you get fixed-term contracts. You can receive a total of six contracts. The big advantage of phase 3 is the increased security. If your assignment unexpectedly ends, your contract (and your salary) simply continues until the agreed end date.
Phase 4
Have you successfully completed phase 3? Then you move into phase 4. From this point on, the staffing agency gives you a permanent contract. This is a permanent contract, with all the securities that come with it, such as protection against dismissal. You now have the same contractual security as someone directly employed permanently by a company.
Your salary and extras
One of the most important rules in the NBBU cao is the client's pay scale. This means you're entitled to the same pay as employees who are permanently employed in a similar position at the company where you work. This applies not only to your basic salary, but also to things like:
- Allowances (for example for overtime or irregular shifts)
- Travel expense reimbursement
- Reduced working hours days
- Periodic salary increases
In addition, you're of course also entitled to holiday pay (8.33% of your gross salary) and you accrue paid vacation days. And if you become ill? Then you're entitled to continued payment of your salary.
Think ahead to your future: pension accrual
Even as a temporary worker, you build up a pension. The staffing agency then pays premiums on your behalf to a pension fund. This way, you're not only working on your career today, but also on your financial future.
Working through Versado: security and personal attention
As you can see, working through a staffing agency is much more secure than many people think. Your rights are well protected, and you build up more security step by step. At Versado, we're happy to guide you through this process. We make sure everything is properly arranged and we're here for you whenever you have questions.
Curious about what opportunities we have for you? Feel free to get in touch with us. We're happy to help you on your way to a new job with security!
