Jobseeker’s Diaries: Contract Negotiation - Know Your Rights!

Unless your background is in contract law, looking through an employment contract is a very overwhelming experience, especially if you are coming from a different country. Inundated with legal jargon and seemingly useless details, navigating through contracts can be a daunting task for which you just want to sign and get it over with. But before you sign your life away on a bad deal, it is good to know what to expect and what is up for negotiation in an employment contract in the Netherlands.

Employment contracts typically beginwith the details of the job description as well as working hours, whether full-time or part-time. The standard full-time work week is usually between 36-40 hours. Some flexibility is seen here depending on what the job is and you may be able to negotiate over-time pay for anything over 38 hours. Regarding part-time work, in the Netherlands, it is quite common for women to request this after having children. Employers are legally obligated to allow this after you have been employed for over a year and if there are no extraneous reasons to why this request cannot be granted. You may also see a section in your contract regarding a trial period, usually around 30 days. This allows both you and the employer to cut your losses if it looks like this is not the job for you.

The next set of information in your contract should be glorious, glorious holiday. Full-time employees in the Netherlands can expect AT LEAST 20 days of paid holiday a year, although most companies offer between 24-32 days as a standard. Some details around this can be negotiated, such as over-time work paid out in holiday hours or extending the normal consecutive holiday time of three weeks to four for special cases. Coming from the United States where the norm is about 10 days, seeing this many holiday days makes my head spin, so asking for more days than given in a contract is not something I have ever felt the need to do.

Salary is an area that can usually be negotiated, but be aware that the wage gap in the Netherlands is not too drastic unless you are in a highly specialized position. The average wage for employees at the age of 25 compared to 55, only spans about 10,000 Euros, so when negotiating, keep a realistic expectation and offer. Considering the modest lifestyle the Dutch lead, straying too far from what is offered is really not necessary. The European way is all about the flexible work/life balance and that is certainly offered in the Netherlands.

If you are hired as a highly skilled migrant, you can most likely expect additional benefits outside of salary. This may include a phone, car or other travel expenses covered, and possibly relocation fees covered. Depending on what is offered and what you need, it may be negotiated what kind of help you can receive. Some companies will even help with short stay accommodation until you find a permanent residence. Take advantage if you can! It will at least give you some extra time to scope out which area of town is best for you without the added pressure of time limits.

Contracts are always a scary and overwhelming hassle. The fear is heightened when the expectation and language is new and different. Make it a point to meticulously inspect what you are getting yourself into and which areas you might have an issue with, and then be sure any issues you have are in line with the rest of the country. Fighting over salary at the expense of the job may not be worth it when the wage gaps are so minute. It is always helpful to know what to expect with contracts and where there is wiggle room. After inspection, sign away!

Ashley Herbert

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