Many young people recognize this problem: you’ve worked, but not all hours have been paid. Sometimes it’s a few hours, sometimes systematically missed shifts, breaks being deducted, or “extra” work that shows up nowhere on your payslip.
Is that allowed? No. Hours worked must be paid.
In this blog you’ll read what your rights are, when employers are in the wrong and how you can still get your wages.
When do hours worked have to be paid?
The main rule is simple:
👉 everything you work must be paid for.
That also applies to:
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side jobs
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part-time work
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zero-hours contracts
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temporary agency work
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student jobs
It doesn’t matter if it is “only” a few hours.
Common excuses (and why they are not correct)
Employers often say:
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“Those were training hours”
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“That was a trial day”
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“You weren’t on the schedule”
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“That’s part of your job”
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“That was a break”
👉 In most cases these are no valid reasons not to pay wages.
Training hours and trial days
Have you:
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shadowed
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been trained
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done a trial day
Then usually: that is work and must be paid.
Unpaid “trial shifts” are often not allowed, especially if you are actually working.
Breaks and preparation time
Not every break is unpaid.
What matters is:
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were you required to be present?
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could you use your time freely?
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did you have to remain reachable?
Also time for:
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opening or closing
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cleaning
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handover
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changing clothes (in some cases)
can count as paid working time.
What if hours are deliberately not recorded?
Some employers:
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delete hours afterwards
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adjust schedules
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record fewer hours on the payslip
👉 That is not allowed.
The payslip must match what you actually worked.
How can you prove that you worked?
Proof can be:
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schedules
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texts or emails
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time clock or app records
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calendars
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witnesses (colleagues)
You don’t need to prove everything. Making it plausible is often sufficient.
What should you do if your hours have not been paid?
Follow this step-by-step plan:
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Check your payslip carefully
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List which hours are missing
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Request a correction in writing
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Keep all evidence
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Take action if payment is not made
If payment is not made, you can:
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claim wages
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sometimes claim a surcharge and interest
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consider legal action
Common mistakes by young people
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thinking that it’s about “too little money”
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not daring to say anything
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not keeping evidence
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responding too late
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assuming the employer is right
That’s a shame. Young people in particular often leave money on the table here.
Are you unsure whether your hours were justifiably not paid?
Are you:
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student
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part-timer
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temporary agency worker
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young person with a part-time job
and are you missing wages or hours on your payslip?
Then have it checked. Often it turns out that:
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the employer is at fault
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you are entitled to back pay
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additional compensation is possible
👉 Feel free to get in touch to have your situation assessed.
How to Claim Unpaid Wages in the Netherlands
If you find that your employer has not paid you for all the hours you worked, there are several steps you can take to reclaim your unpaid wages. It’s important to act promptly and keep detailed records of your working hours, contracts, and communications with your employer.
Step 1: Talk to Your Employer
Start by discussing the issue directly with your employer or HR department. Sometimes, unpaid hours result from administrative errors or misunderstandings that can be quickly resolved. Make sure to provide evidence such as timesheets, emails, or text messages that confirm your working hours.
Step 2: Send a Formal Demand Letter
If informal discussions don’t work, you should send a written demand letter requesting payment of your outstanding wages. This letter should clearly state the amount owed, the period it covers, and a deadline for payment. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 3: Contact the Labour Inspectorate
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW) supervises compliance with labour laws, including wage payments. You can file a complaint with them if your employer refuses to pay. They can investigate the matter and may impose fines or sanctions on the employer.
Step 4: Consider Legal Action
If previous steps fail, you may want to take legal action. In the Netherlands, you can bring your case to the cantonal court (Kantonrechter) without needing a lawyer for most employment disputes. However, consulting with a legal expert can improve your chances of success and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Legal Protections for Employees in the Netherlands
Under Dutch law, employers are obligated to pay for all hours worked, including overtime and hours worked on public holidays unless otherwise agreed in collective labour agreements (cao) or contracts. The Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) and the Dutch Labour Law Act provide employees with strong protections against unpaid wages.
Additionally, the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (Wet minimumloon en minimumvakantiebijslag) ensures that employees receive at least the statutory minimum wage for all hours worked.
Practical Tips to Prevent Unpaid Hours
- Keep accurate records: Maintain a personal log of your working hours, breaks, and any overtime.
- Review your contract: Understand your rights and obligations related to working hours and pay.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with applicable collective labour agreements and statutory rights.
- Seek advice early: If you suspect unpaid hours, consult with a legal professional before the issue escalates.
Need Help? Contact Arslan Advocaten
If you are struggling with unpaid hours or wage disputes, Arslan Advocaten is here to help. Our experienced employment law specialists understand the complexities of Dutch labour law and can guide you through the process of reclaiming your rightful earnings. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I notice my employer hasn’t paid for all the hours I worked?
First, carefully check your payslip and list any missing hours, then request a written correction from your employer. If they do not pay what you are owed, you can take further action such as claiming wages or seeking legal advice.
Are unpaid training hours or trial days legally allowed?
No, unpaid training hours or trial shifts are generally not allowed if you are actively working or providing services. Employers must pay for any work done during training or trial periods.
What evidence can I use to prove I worked hours that haven’t been paid?
You can use schedules, emails, texts, time clock records, calendars, or witness statements from colleagues to support your claim that you worked those hours.
What are common mistakes young people make when facing unpaid wages?
Many young people hesitate to speak up, fail to keep evidence, respond too late, or assume their employer is right, which can result in losing money they are entitled to. It’s important to act promptly and keep thorough records.
