Chain Regulation in Employment Contracts for Rijswijk Residents
The chain regulation is a fundamental aspect of Dutch labor law, determining under what conditions a series of temporary positions with an employer in Rijswijk transitions into a permanent contract. This rule protects local employees from persistent uncertainty by limiting the indefinite extension of flexible roles. In this article, we explore how the chain regulation works, its legal foundation, and the associated rights and obligations, with a focus on support available in Rijswijk.
What Does the Chain Regulation Mean for Employees in Rijswijk?
The chain regulation—often referred to as 'successive employment contracts'—ensures that a sequence of temporary agreements, such as zero-hour contracts or fixed-term positions, may result in an indefinite employment relationship. The goal is to prevent the unfair exploitation of temporary workers and to provide greater stability to Rijswijk’s labor market. Without this protection, employers in the region—such as local government agencies or businesses in the nearby Hague area—could indefinitely keep employees in precarious positions, impacting their income and career prospects in Rijswijk.
In practice, in Rijswijk, repeated temporary contracts with the same employer automatically convert into a permanent contract after a set number of agreements or a specific duration. This applies to temporary employment contracts but generally excludes internships or temporary agency contracts, unless otherwise agreed.
Legal Basis of the Chain Regulation
The chain regulation is outlined in Article 7:668a of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). It stipulates that employers in Rijswijk may offer a maximum of three consecutive temporary contracts within a 24-month period. A fourth contract or exceeding this timeframe automatically converts the next contract into an indefinite one.
Since the 2015 Wet Werk en Zekerheid (WWZ – Labor and Security Act), these provisions have become stricter to encourage permanent employment. Previously, a 36-month period with more contracts applied. Note: Gaps between contracts must not exceed six months; otherwise, the chain is broken, and a new cycle begins. In Rijswijk, residents can seek advice on local applications through the Rijswijk Legal Desk (Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk).
Additionally, a collective labor agreement (cao) may introduce adjustments, but only in favor of the employee, such as a shorter duration or fewer contracts. Without a cao, the standard law applies.
Application of the Chain Regulation in Rijswijk’s Work Environment
Imagine starting a six-month contract with a local Rijswijk business. This is followed by a nine-month extension and then a third contract of twelve months, totaling 27 months. The fourth contract would then become permanent, unless there is a break of more than six months.
If contracts are followed by short pauses of three months, they remain part of the same chain. Employers in Rijswijk must carefully document these to avoid unintended permanent contracts.
Exceptions in the Rijswijk Context
Not all temporary positions fall under the chain regulation. Exceptions include:
- Contracts to replace sick colleagues or employees on maternity leave in local organizations.
- Seasonal or peak jobs, such as in Rijswijk’s hospitality or event sectors.
- Temporary agency assignments, unless the cao specifies otherwise.
- Min-max or zero-hour contracts, but only if they are indefinite; temporary variants count toward the chain.
In sectors like healthcare in the Rijswijk region, a cao may allow longer periods. Always verify your cao through the Rijswijk Legal Desk (Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk).
Rights and Obligations Under the Chain Regulation in Rijswijk
Rights for Rijswijk Employees:
- Automatic transition to permanent status after three contracts or 24 months.
- Entitlement to a transition payment upon termination of temporary roles, even within the chain (thanks to the WWZ).
- Protection against dismissal; employers must comply with the chain rule.
Obligations for Employers:
- Provide written contracts with clear terms and conditions.
- Document the chain and report the contract status.
- Avoid circumvention tactics, which may lead to liability under the Rijswijk District Court (Rechtbank Rijswijk).
Employees should review contracts and raise objections if violations occur. In case of disputes, residents can turn to the Rijswijk District Court (Rechtbank Rijswijk) or the Rijswijk Legal Desk for legal assistance.
Practical Examples from Rijswijk
Example 1: Lisa works as an administrative assistant at a Rijswijk government agency. She starts with a six-month contract, followed by two six-month extensions. After 18 months, the fourth contract becomes permanent due to continuity, despite no long break.
Example 2: In Rijswijk’s retail sector, a cao limits contracts to two. Jamal’s first two roles—each nine months with a one-month gap—lead to a permanent contract after 19 months.
These cases demonstrate how the regulation balances flexibility in sectors like local healthcare or education in Rijswijk.
Comparison: Chain Regulation Before and After the WWZ
| Aspect | Before WWZ (2014) | After WWZ (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Contracts | Maximum three | Maximum three |
| Timeframe | 36 months | 24 months |
| Break Requirement | Minimum three months to break the chain | Minimum six months to break the chain |
| Objective | Maintain flexibility | Increase job security for employees |
In Rijswijk, these changes are particularly noticeable in long-term temporary roles with local employers.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.