ACCESS NL > Dual careers in the Netherlands > Working in the Netherlands > Employment contracts > What is a CAO (collective labour agreement)?

Employment contracts

Does Dutch employment law apply to me?

What is a CAO (collective labour agreement)?

Most companies and organisations participate in a collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst – CAO (collective labour agreement). This is a written agreement between one or more employers and one or more trade unions about the labour conditions for all employees, such as wages, payment for extra work, working hours, probation period, pension, education and childcare.

The provisions in a CAO are often more favourable than those prescribed by law, but they may not contradict the law.

If there is no CAO, you need an individual agreement with your employer about the work conditions, preferably in writing. The rules set out in the law are the basis for this agreement, that is, the employment contract.

How do I know that my contract is in accordance with Dutch law?

Which information is usually included in an employment contract?

I want to know whether or not the employers in the Netherlands are obliged to pay a majority of the employee’s travel to work expenses, and if they're not, is there a way I can claim it back in taxes?

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What are my legal rights and obligations when I have a permanent employment contract?

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I have some legal issues with my employment contract. Where can I get a legal assistance?

What are the rules for dismissal?

What are the official public holiday in the Netherlands?

What vacations am I entitled to in the Netherlands?

Which possibilities are available for special leave?

I have heard employees receive a holiday allowance. How much do I get and when?

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