Working Hours Act (Netherlands)

Arbeidstijdenwet (Working Hours Act)

The legislation on working hours and working conditions is based on the Working Hours Act (in Dutch: Arbeidstijdenwet). The amount of working hours depends upon the sector of industry and the kind of labour performed. In general, an employee is only allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours per day, for a maximum of 60 hours per week. Over a period of 4 weeks the maximum number of working hours is 55 per week. Over a period of 16 weeks the maximum number of working hours is 48 hours per week. The arrangements on working hours included in an individual employment contract, which are not in conformity with the Working Hours Act, can be declared null and void.