The adjustment could also lead to a revaluation of part-time and freelance work, which often fall under different wage structures.
On January 1, 2024, major changes will take place in the Dutch labor market when it comes to the structure of the minimum wage. An increase in the statutory minimum wage of 3,75% will come into effect on that date, bringing the gross minimum hourly wage for employees aged 21 and over to €13,27 per hour. But this regular indexation, which takes place every six months in line with collective labor agreement wages, is not the only thing that attracts attention. The government is also introducing a completely new law for the minimum hourly wage, which will replace the statutory minimum wage for daily, weekly and monthly wages.
uniform minimum hourly wage
Instead of different minimum wages for different working hours, from now on there will be one uniform minimum hourly wage that all employees in the Netherlands are entitled to. The actual monthly wage of a minimum wage earner is therefore determined by the actual number of hours worked. This means that the unequal situation where minimum wage earners who work 40 hours a week earn less per hour than those who work 36 hours is a thing of the past. This change in legislation is the result of the private member's bill submitted by MPs Kathmann and Maatoug.
The introduction of a uniform minimum hourly wage will make it easier to make a fair comparison between full-time and part-time work, which can open the door to more balanced employment relationships and conditions.
While the new regulations have benefits, such as tackling wage inequality, their implementation will also bring challenges. Companies and organizations may have to adjust their payroll administrations, employment contracts and collective labor agreements to comply with the new law. To support the parties involved, the government has published a knowledge document called 'Statutory Minimum Hourly Wage 2024', which serves as a guideline in the preparations for the introduction of the new law.
The new minimum hourly wage will also impact younger workers, although the details of this still need to be worked out. Information about this and other related amounts can be found on the specific page 'Minimum wage amounts'.
