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Chain Rule for Fixed-Term Contracts in Rotterdam

Discover Rotterdam’s chain rule for fixed-term contracts: after three jobs or two years, you automatically qualify for a permanent position. Get advice from the Rotterdam Legal Advice Desk. (128 characters)

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Chain Rule for Fixed-Term Contracts in Rotterdam

The chain rule for fixed-term contracts is a key regulation in Dutch employment law that limits the number of consecutive temporary positions. This helps residents of Rotterdam avoid prolonged uncertainty in their careers. After three fixed-term contracts or two years of employment, you automatically qualify for a permanent contract—providing greater job security in a dynamic city like Rotterdam, known for its port and diverse economy.

What Does the Chain Rule Mean for Rotterdam Workers?

The chain rule—also called the *succession rule* or *chain rule* in English—governs how consecutive fixed-term employment contracts may follow one another. Its purpose is to prevent employers from exploiting temporary contracts and to help workers in Rotterdam secure permanent roles faster. Without this rule, employers in sectors like Rotterdam’s port or retail could repeatedly cycle employees through short-term contracts, creating income and career instability.

In short, you may have a maximum of three consecutive fixed-term contracts within two years (24 months). Exceeding this limit automatically converts the next contract into a permanent one. This applies to contracts that directly or indirectly follow each other, with a maximum gap of six months between them.

Legal Basis

The rule is outlined in **Article 7:668a of the Dutch Civil Code (BW)**, Book 7: *'A fixed-term employment contract that has been entered into at most twice and has a duration of no more than two years shall be deemed an indefinite-term contract if the contract has not ended after two years.'*

Introduced under the **Wet Werk en Zekerheid (WWZ, Employment Security Act)** in 2015 and tightened with the **Wet Arbeidsmarkt in Balans (WAB, Balanced Labour Market Act)** in 2020. Previously, the limit was three years with a three-month break; the stricter rules now aim to reduce precarious work in cities like Rotterdam. The chain resets after a break longer than six months (longer for seasonal work). Collective Labour Agreements (CAOs) in Rotterdam—such as those in the port or municipal sectors—may offer more favorable terms, but never to the worker’s disadvantage.

How the Chain Rule Works in Rotterdam

Consider a port worker who starts with a six-month fixed-term contract at a Rotterdam logistics company. This is followed by a nine-month contract and then a twelve-month one—totaling 27 months. The third contract automatically converts to permanent, providing stability in a sector with high temporary employment.

The chain includes all fixed-term contracts within two years, even with short breaks. A pause of less than six months keeps the chain intact. For example: a contract from January to June, followed by three months off, then another from October to March—this counts as one continuous chain. If disputes arise, the **Rotterdam District Court** can resolve them. Employers must explain in writing whether a new contract will break the chain.

Exceptions for Rotterdam Workers

Not all fixed-term contracts fall under the chain rule. Exceptions include:

  • CAO Rules: In Rotterdam’s CAOs (e.g., construction or hospitality), the chain may extend to four contracts or four years if it benefits the worker.
  • Small Businesses: Employers in Rotterdam with fewer than ten employees face relaxed termination rules under the WAB, but the chain rule remains unchanged.
  • Specific Sectors: In the port, retail, or education sectors, CAOs may set different terms for seasonal or project-based work.
  • Replacement Contracts: Temporary contracts to cover a sick colleague do not count toward the chain.

Check your employer’s Rotterdam CAO for details. For advice on fixed-term contracts, visit our [article on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts](/arbeidsovereenkomst-voor-bepaalde-tijd) or the **Rotterdam Legal Advice Desk (Juridisch Loket Rotterdam)**.

Practical Examples from Rotterdam

Example 1: Chain Exceeded
A graphic designer at a Rotterdam advertising agency signs three contracts in 2023: six, six, and nine months (total 21 months). The third contract automatically converts to permanent in 2024; the employer must confirm this.

Example 2: Chain Broken
A retail worker in Rotterdam’s city center has two contracts in 2023 (total 18 months), followed by a seven-month break. In 2024, a new chain begins with a maximum of three contracts.

Example 3: CAO Exception
Under Rotterdam’s construction CAO, seasonal workers may have up to four contracts within three years. A bricklayer with three summer assignments does not automatically qualify for a permanent contract after the third.

Rights and Obligations in Rotterdam

Employee Rights:

  • Automatic conversion to a permanent contract upon exceeding the limit.
  • No probation period for the third fixed-term contract.
  • Severance pay if contracts exceed six months.

Employee Obligations:

  • Fulfill contract terms and adhere to notice periods.
  • Clarify chain status in writing with the employer if unclear.

Employer Rights:

  • Use fixed-term contracts for projects (e.g., in the port).
  • Break the chain with a longer pause.

Employer Obligations:

  • Provide written clarification on chain impact for new contracts.
  • Maintain transparency on duration and conversion.
  • Appeal to the **Rotterdam District Court** in case of disputes.

For personalized assistance in Rotterdam, contact the **Juridisch Loket Rotterdam** or the **City of Rotterdam** for employment advice.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat is mijn retourrecht?

Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.

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Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.

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Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.

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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.

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Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.