This is an automatic translation of the Dutch explanation. If in doubt, check the Dutch text and the original collective labor agreement. Read this explanation in Dutch
The short answer
The cleaning collective labor agreement has an end-of-year bonus of 5%. The six-month requirement and the correct reference period are important. It is not an extra full month's salary nor an automatic net amount. The regular payment must take place before December 15.
Use the correct basis
Article 20 describes which wage components count. Holiday allowance, loyalty bonus and the VET are excluded from this basis. In case of monthly payment, the relevant earnings for January to November are converted into an annual amount. When paying per four weeks, the collective labor agreement uses periods 1 to 12 with its own conversion. Therefore, don't just take the last monthly salary and multiply it by twelve.
Start, stop or switch contracts
Check whether you have been employed continuously for at least six months on December 31, or at the end of your employment. Upon termination of employment and change of contract, the collective labor agreement contains a separate direct settlement of the relevant earnings up to that time. Until January 1, 2027, tax exchanges with commuting expenses that have not yet been reimbursed can play a role. That does not mean that everyone receives 5% completely net.
This is how you check it
- Check your date of employment and whether the six-month requirement has been met.
- Ask for the reference period used and the included wage components.
- Compare the 5% calculation and any tax exchange with the specification.
Calculation example for a full year with monthly payment: if the eligible income from January to November is €22,000, the basis becomes €22,000 ÷ 11 × 12 = €24,000. Of this, 5% is €1,200 gross, before any tax processing.
Questions about this CAO
Is this the same as a thirteenth month?
No. It is 5% of the collective labor agreement basis, subject to conditions. A full extra month is a different deal.
Does my holiday pay count towards the 5%?
No. Article 20 excludes holiday allowance, the VET and the loyalty bonus from this calculation basis.
Will I only receive the benefit at Christmas?
The end-of-year bonus is normally paid before December 15. In the event of termination of employment or change of contract, the collective labor agreement contains separate settlement moments.
Is the benefit always net?
No. The collective labor agreement mentions tax exchanges before 2026 where there is room. Ask on your specification which part is gross and which part has been exchanged.
Sources for this explanation
Sources checked:
Original documents · PDF