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Under the Dutch statutory minimum hourly wage (WML) system, a single uniform minimum hourly rate applies to all workers aged 21 and over, regardless of whether the sector operates a 36-, 38- or 40-hour week. Temporary workers are also entitled to equivalent CAO remuneration, 8.33% holiday allowance and an itemized weekly payslip.
1. How the statutory minimum hourly wage (WML) works
The Netherlands replaced its former monthly minimum wage conversion with one universal statutory minimum hourly wage (WML). The rate is indexed twice a year by the Dutch government on 1 January and 1 July.
- One uniform statutory minimum hourly wage for all workers aged 21 and above.
- Statutory youth minimum hourly rates for workers aged 15 to 20.
- Biannual government indexation on 1 January and 1 July.
2. WML is the legal floor; equivalent CAO pay sets your role rate
The statutory minimum hourly wage is the legal baseline. When the hiring company’s collective agreement (CAO) specifies a higher wage scale for your role and experience, equivalent remuneration entitles you to that higher hourly rate plus applicable shift allowances.
3. The 5 key items to check on your weekly payslip
Every Dutch payslip must clearly show how gross pay turns into net pay. Check these five items each week:
- 1. Total regular hours worked, overtime hours and shift hours.
- 2. Applied gross hourly wage and the payroll week number.
- 3. Shift allowances, irregularity supplements and travel reimbursements.
- 4. Accrued reservations for paid annual leave, public holidays and holiday allowance (8.33%).
- 5. Payroll tax and StiPP pension deductions, plus the final net bank transfer amount.
4. Mandatory bank transfer (ban on cash minimum wage payments)
Under the Dutch Sham Arrangements Act (WAS), at least the statutory minimum wage must be paid by bank transfer into an account in the worker’s own name. Cash payment of the minimum wage is illegal.
5. What to do if you spot a discrepancy in hours or allowances
Keep a simple weekly log of your start times, finish times and breaks. If your log differs from your payslip, notify your ACS coordinator immediately so the timesheet can be verified with the site supervisor.
6. Weekly payments and personal payslip guidance at ACS
ACS-Services pays weekly on a fixed day and walks through your first payslip with you in Dutch, Turkish, English, Bulgarian or Polish.
