Changes in employment benefits for truck drivers in the Netherlands — 2026

Changes in the Dutch collective labor agreement (CAO) — What’s changing for temporary workers in 2026?

Until now, temporary workers in the Netherlands haven’t always had access to all benefits offered to permanent employees. In 2026, that will change.

Temporary workers will gain the right to a full package of employment conditions, equivalent to what permanent staff receive in the same company.

What does this mean in practice?

In addition to the 10 core elements of the so-called “inlenersbeloning” which temporary workers are already entitled to, staffing agencies will now have to provide all other employment benefits available in the company where the worker is placed.

So, if the company offers benefits to their permanent staff, starting from January 2026 you’ll also receive the equivalent of those benefits.

These may include:

• Quarterly or annual bonuses
• Shift allowances (e.g. for night shifts, weekends, holidays
• Expense reimbursements (e.g. travel costs)
• Extra days off or performance bonuses

Bonuses and allowances for professional drivers in 2026

These changes follow recommendations by the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER) and are part of preparations for the “More security for flexible workers” law set to take effect in 2027. The aim of this legislation is to increase job security for people in flexible employment.

Who is affected by the Dutch CAO changes in 2026?

The changes apply only to temporary workers employed by staffing agencies.
If you’re directly employed by a transport company, the new rules won’t affect your conditions.

Also, not all companies in the Netherlands are required to follow the CAO.
If your employer is not covered by a mandatory CAO or hasn’t signed it voluntarily, these new rules may not apply to you. In that case, your employment conditions (including salary) are negotiated individually in your contract.

It’s always worth checking if your company operates under a CAO agreement.

Do you work at 24/7 drive and have questions about the new rules?

Get in touch with us — your intermediary will explain how the new laws affect your specific situation.

Looking for a job in the transport sector in the Netherlands?

At 24/7 drive, we ensure on-time payments, comfortable accommodation in the Netherlands, and job offers tailored to your expectations. Every driver in our team can count on full support from our recruitment coordinators and fair working conditions.

See our job offers: https://www.247drive.pl/oferty-pracy

Sources

• Tweede Kamer proposal on new law
• Eerste Kamer information

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Can a staffing agency in the Netherlands refuse to pay bonuses like holiday or weekend pay?
No. If a permanent employee in the same company receives such bonuses, you must also receive them starting January 2026. Refusal could be grounds for legal action.

Do the changes apply to night shifts and weekend hours?
Yes. If permanent staff receive bonuses for night work, weekends, or holidays, you should too — under the same rules — from January 2026.

What if the company doesn’t offer any bonuses or extra benefits?
In that case, your conditions will remain the same. The new law only requires that temporary workers receive the same benefits as permanent staff in the same company — not that everyone receives new or extra benefits.

Can I claim back pay for previous months?
No. The new rules don’t apply retroactively. They take effect from January 1, 2026, and only apply going forward.

What should I do if I don’t see any changes in my working conditions after January 1, 2026?
Contact your staffing agency and ask for clarification.
If you don’t receive a clear response or feel you’re being treated unfairly, you can report it to:

• Trade unions (e.g. HZC)
• Labor Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW)
• A legal advisor