Minimum Youth Wage in Rijswijk
The minimum youth wage is the statutory minimum hourly wage for young workers aged 15 to 21 across the Netherlands, including Rijswijk. This rate is lower than that for adults and helps gradually introduce young people to the local job market, such as in retail stores or at the Municipality of Rijswijk. It applies to various industries and promotes fair pay for entry-level workers. In this article, we cover the regulations, rate calculations, and how it operates in practice in Rijswijk.
Legal Basis of the Minimum Youth Wage
The rules for the minimum youth wage are outlined in the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (WML), particularly Article 11 and related ministerial decrees. This law, introduced in 1968 and regularly updated, requires employers in Rijswijk to pay young employees at least this hourly rate. The rate is adjusted annually by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, taking into account inflation and economic conditions. In 2023, the minimum for 21-year-olds was €1,723.35 gross per month (for 36 hours per week), but for younger workers in Rijswijk, it decreases proportionally based on their age.
The minimum youth wage begins at age 15, provided the young person has completed compulsory education or holds a starting qualification. For 15- and 16-year-olds in Rijswijk, additional restrictions on working hours and times apply under the Working Hours Act (ATW). Violations can result in fines up to €4,000 per incident, enforced by the Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW).
Age Groups and Rates
The minimum youth wage depends on age and gradually increases to the full minimum wage at 21. The percentage of the adult rate is as follows:
| Age | Percentage of Minimum Wage | Example (based on €13.27/hour for 21+ in 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years | 30% | €3.98/hour |
| 16 years | 37% | €4.91/hour |
| 17 years | 44% | €5.84/hour |
| 18 years | 51% | €6.77/hour |
| 19 years | 58% | €7.70/hour |
| 20 years | 65% | €8.63/hour |
| 21 years and older | 100% | €13.27/hour |
These values are indicative for 2023; check the ministry's website for the latest updates. In Rijswijk, wages are calculated based on hours worked, excluding holiday pay or additional benefits.
Examples from Rijswijk Practice
Consider a 17-year-old student in Rijswijk working 12 hours per week at a local supermarket. At €5.84 per hour, they earn €70.08 gross weekly. After a year, this could increase through a collective labor agreement or experience, but always above the minimum. A 19-year-old in a Rijswijk call center working full-time (36 hours/week) receives around €1,114 gross per month, contributing to financial independence in the area.
In Rijswijk's hospitality sector, with many seasonal jobs, employers often combine internships with the minimum youth wage. They must prove it's not an exploitative internship to avoid sanctions from the Labour Inspectorate.
Rights and Obligations Related to Minimum Youth Wage
Rights of young employees in Rijswijk:
- Right to at least the minimum youth wage, paid hourly or monthly.
- Holiday pay (at least 8% of wages) and any employer pension contributions.
- Protection against age discrimination under the Equal Treatment Act.
- Option to complain about underpayment to the Rijswijk Court or the Labour Inspectorate, with advice from the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
Obligations of employers:
- Accurately calculate and pay wages, with a payslip that specifies the minimum youth wage.
- Avoid unlawful deductions, such as for uniforms, unless legally permitted.
- Inform young employees about their rights at the start of employment, for example, through the Municipality of Rijswijk's labor advice services.
- Maintain records for inspections by authorities.
Internships must not lead to wage reductions; if more than 5 hours per week, the compensation must match the minimum youth wage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minimum Youth Wage in Rijswijk
Do I have to receive the minimum youth wage as an 18-year-old in Rijswijk?
Yes, unless a higher collective labor agreement applies. Employers in Rijswijk cannot pay below the legal minimum but may offer more based on skills or role.
What if my employer in Rijswijk doesn't pay the minimum youth wage?
File a report with the Labour Inspectorate or the Rijswijk Court. Claim back pay with interest and costs; keep your payslips. The Legal Aid Office Rijswijk provides free assistance.
Does the minimum youth wage apply to part-time jobs alongside school in Rijswijk?
Yes, for all contracts. For 15-16-year-olds in Rijswijk, it's limited to a maximum of 2 hours on school days.
Can I demand the full minimum wage at age 20 in Rijswijk?
No, that applies from age 21. At 20, it's 65% of the minimum, unless a collective labor agreement sets a higher rate.
Tips and Advice for Rijswijk
As a young worker in Rijswijk: Review your payslip every month and compare it with the minimum rates on rijksoverheid.nl. For personal advice, visit the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk or the Municipality of Rijswijk's employment services to protect your rights and find local job opportunities.