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Under the Dutch More Security for Flex Workers Act (Wet meer zekerheid flexwerkers) and updated CAO rules, temporary workers qualify faster for a permanent contract. Phase A lasts up to 52 worked weeks and Phase B is shortened from 3 years to a maximum of 2 years (up to 6 contracts), leading to Phase C after 3 years.
1. How does the Dutch phase system (Phase A, B and C) work?
Anyone working through a staffing agency in the Netherlands builds up stronger employment protection step by step under the CAO phase system (Phase A, B and C). The longer you work, the greater your contract and income security.
- Phase A: initial flexible phase lasting up to 52 worked weeks.
- Phase B: fixed-term agency employment contracts with agreed working hours.
- Phase C: open-ended (permanent) agency employment contract.
2. Phase B shortened from 3 to 2 years: permanent contract after 3 years
A core reform of the new legislation is shortening Phase B. Previously, workers spent up to 52 weeks in Phase A followed by up to 3 years in Phase B (4 years total). Phase B is now capped at a maximum of 2 years and 6 fixed-term contracts, meaning workers reach Phase C after 3 years.
- Phase A: maximum of 52 worked weeks.
- Phase B: maximum of 6 fixed-term contracts within at most 2 years.
- Phase C: progression to an indefinite contract after completing Phases A and B.
3. Strict 5-year interruption rule against revolving-door contracts
To prevent workers from being reset to the start of Phase A after a brief break, the statutory interruption period is extended from 6 months to 60 months (5 years), safeguarding your accrued contract phase.
4. Greater predictability in working hours and schedules
The legislation also strengthens income predictability by replacing uncertain zero-hour arrangements with clear hour commitments or bandwidth contracts.
5. What this means for employers in logistics, production and cleaning
For hiring companies, faster phase progression makes proactive workforce planning essential. Reliable workers can be retained through structured phase contracts or transition into direct employment per agreement.
6. Clear contract tracking in your own language at ACS
ACS tracks your worked weeks and phase progression transparently and discusses upcoming contract milestones with you and the employer in Dutch, Turkish, English, Bulgarian or Polish.
