ABU collective labor agreement in the Netherlands in 2026: What does it mean for you as a (Polish) jobseeker?

The ABU cao is a collective labor agreement designed specifically for temporary workers. It outlines all essential matters such as salary, vacation days and working hours. When you work through ABflexkracht, you are covered by the rules of the ABU cao. This ensures that you are treated fairly and have clear and transparent employment conditions as an EU temporary worker.

Read also: Working and Living in the Netherlands Immediately in 2024/2025: how to secure a comfortable home right away

At ABflexkracht, as an EU temporary worker, you will often work for various companies. This means you are not directly employed by one company but are “loaned out” to perform assignments at different clients. As a result, you fall under the rules (cao) of the company where you are working at that moment. Each company may have its own cao, but some basic ABU cao rules always apply.

The ABU cao ensures that no matter which company you work for, you can count on fair employment conditions and equal pay as your permanent colleagues. Explore our current job vacancies here.

The inlenersbeloning (borrower’s remuneration) is the most important rule of the ABU cao. This means that as a temporary worker, you will not only earn the same pay and bonuses as permanent employees in similar roles, but you will also get a complete set of benefits that is at least equal to theirs. This ensures fair and equal pay for your work.

The base wage you earn is the same as that of a permanent employee in the same position. For example, if you work as a horticulture worker in a greenhouse, you’ll receive the same hourly wage as a permanent colleague in the same role.

If you work evenings, nights, or weekends, you’ll receive extra allowances, just like permanent employees.

In the Netherlands, in addition to your salary, you build up vacation pay amounting to 8.33% of your gross salary, usually paid in May. This extra pay is intended to cover vacation expenses or a trip home to visit family.

You are entitled to paid vacation days. Public holidays you would normally work, such as Christmas or King’s Day, are also paid, ensuring you can relax without losing income.

The Equal employment conditions ensures you earn at least the minimum wage, which in 2026 is €14,71 per hour, with potential increases as you gain experience.

The Equal employment conditions in 2026 guarantees that you earn the same as permanent employees for the same work. It doesn’t matter whether you come from Poland or the Netherlands—equal work means equal pay.

The ABU collective agreement operates using a phase system that determines your level of job security. This system consists of three phases: Phase A, Phase B, and Phase C. The longer you work with ABflexkracht, the more security you gain. Here’s how it works in practice:

Fase A:

Duration: Up to 52 weeks.

Details: This is the starting phase, where you work with flexible contracts. The type of work may vary depending on the assignments.

Fase B:

Duration: After 52 weeks, you move to Phase B, where you can have up to six contracts over a period of three years.

Details: These contracts offer a fixed number of hours, providing more stability in your work and income.

Fase C:

Duration: Once you complete Phase B, you move to Phase C, where you receive a permanent contract with ABflexkracht.

Details: This phase offers the highest level of job security, with a fixed employment arrangement instead of per assignment. ABflexkracht aims to help more employees reach this phase.

In Phase B and Phase C, you are entitled to continued payment even if there’s no immediate work available. This means your contract remains active, even if the client company doesn’t have work for you. ABflexkracht actively searches for suitable replacement assignments, ensuring you can continue working without interruptions.

At ABflexkracht, we value your well-being and provide clear rules for sick leave payment in 2025/2026. Your entitlement depends on your phase of employment:

Phase A (without a temporary employment clause):

If you become ill in 2025/2026, you will receive a Sickness Benefit from the Dutch UWV starting from the third day of your illness.

• First year: ABflexkracht supplements this benefit up to 90% of your daily wage.
• Second year: Supplemented up to 80% of your daily wage.
• Waiting period: The first day of illness is unpaid.

Phases B and C:

• First 52 weeks: You receive 90% of your salary, including allowances and benefits.
• Weeks 53 to 104: You receive 80% of your salary.
• Waiting period: The first day of illness is unpaid.

Additionally, we actively support your reintegration to help you return to work as soon as possible.

Yes! At ABflexkracht, we believe in your growth and development. Through the ABU cao, you have the right to access training that enhances your opportunities in the Netherlands. This could include: Dutch language courses, safety training or job-specific certifications, such as forklift operation. Learn more about the training programs we offer here.

At ABflexkracht, you automatically start building your pension through the StiPP Plus Plan, the pension fund for temporary workers in the Netherlands. This applies from your first day of work, regardless of whether you are in Phase A, B, or C.

Eligibility: Minimum age of 18.

Contribution: In 2025/2026, ABflexkracht contributes 8% of your salary, while you contribute up to 4%.

We ensure continuous pension accumulation that grows alongside your employment.

Jakub arrived in the Netherlands in 2021 and began as a temporary worker in Phase A, specializing in horticulture. Initially, it was an adjustment, but thanks to the clear rules of the ABU cao, he knew exactly what to expect. His salary matched that of his Dutch colleagues, and ABflexkracht supported him in his native language.

After a year, Jakub moved to Phase B, where he received longer contracts and more stability. Now, in Phase C, Jakub enjoys a permanent contract with all the benefits of a stable job in horticulture.

At ABflexkracht, we follow the ABU cao, ensuring we adhere to all agreements within it. We prioritize treating you well and making sure you enjoy your work. We take care of everything for you:

• A clear contract in your own language. Read also: Working in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch: is it possible? 
• Weekly on-time salary payments.
• Assistance with all your questions, including in Polish (or other languages).
• Comfortable accommodation in the Netherlands.
• Transportation to your workplace.

This way, we offer you a safe, reliable, and opportunity-rich working environment where you can grow and be confident in fair employment conditions.

Do you have any questions about the ABU cao, the phase system, or the Equal employment conditions? Want to learn how ABflexkracht can help you start working in the Netherlands?

Contact our team today. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way!