The WIEG Scheme: Paid Parental Leave in Rotterdam
The WIEG scheme (Paid Parental Leave Act) provides working parents in Rotterdam with nine weeks of paid leave upon the birth of their child. This is in addition to standard birth leave and is available to both parents. The benefit amounts to 70% of your daily wage (with a maximum) and is paid by the UWV. Since 1 August 2022, this scheme has helped Rotterdam families, such as those in the vibrant port city, spend more quality time with their newborn.
What Does the WIEG Scheme Mean for Rotterdam Residents?
In Rotterdam, the WIEG scheme supplements the national leave system with paid parental leave. Previously, fathers and partners only had unpaid parental leave or a short paid birth leave of five days. Now both parents are entitled to nine consecutive weeks of leave, part of which is paid. This must be taken within one year of the birth, in consultation with your employer, consecutively but flexibly in terms of timing.
The law promotes a fair division of work and care, ideal for busy Rotterdam households. It primarily targets the mother's partner, but mothers can also use it after their maternity leave.
Legal Basis of the WIEG Scheme
The WIEG scheme is set out in the Paid Parental Leave Act, which amends the Work and Care Act (WAZO). Key provisions:
- Article 1:1(1) WAZO: Definition of parental leave.
- Article 2:1 WAZO: Duration of nine weeks.
- Article 6:1 WAZO: UWV benefit.
It complies with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. The maximum daily wage follows the Sickness Benefits Act (2024: € 274.44 per day).
Eligibility for WIEG Leave in Rotterdam
As a Rotterdam employee, you qualify if:
- You are an employee (including on-call workers with ≥26 weeks' service).
- Your child was born on or after 1 August 2022.
- You take the leave within 52 weeks.
- You notify your employer at least 4 weeks in advance.
- You apply for the UWV benefit before the first day of leave.
Self-employed workers (ZZP'ers) in Rotterdam, such as in the creative sector or port, are not entitled to the benefit but do have leave rights with clients.
Rights and Obligations under WIEG
Rights
- 9 weeks part-time leave (up to 50% of hours).
- Protection against dismissal during/after leave.
- UWV benefit: 70% of social insurance daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
Obligations
- Take consecutively.
- Notify employer in time.
- Forward UWV decision.
Rotterdam Examples of WIEG Leave
Example 1: Father Mark from Rotterdam works 40 hours at a port company. Child born 1 September 2023. He takes leave from 2 January to 26 February 2024. Daily wage € 200: 45 days x € 140 (70%) = € 6,300 gross. Employer may top up.
Example 2: Mother Lisa from Rotterdam-South has 12 weeks maternity leave. Then 9 weeks WIEG, adjusted to 50% of her 24-hour job.
Comparison with Other Types of Leave
| Scheme | Duration | Paid | For Whom | Takable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Leave | 1 week (5 days) | 100% salary by employer | Partner | Within 4 weeks of birth |
| WIEG Scheme | 9 weeks | 70% UWV (max daily wage) | Both parents | Within 1 year |
| Parental Leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Both parents | Until child is 8 |
| Adoption Leave | 6 weeks | 100% UWV | Both parents | Within 1 year of adoption |
Applying for WIEG Leave Step by Step
- Notify employer (≥4 weeks in advance).
- Apply for UWV benefit via UWV.nl with DigiD (ideally 8 weeks ahead).
- Send UWV letter to employer.
- Take leave and receive weekly benefit.
Perhaps Also of Interest
Read more about Paid Parental Leave (WIEG), Maternity Leave or Birth Leave.
Frequently Asked Questions about WIEG in Rotterdam
Can I spread out WIEG weeks?
No, consecutively. Part-time up to 50% is allowed.
Employer refuses?
Not permitted if notified in time. Contact Rotterdam District Court, Rotterdam Legal Aid Office or Netherlands Labour Authority.
WIEG for adoption?
No, only biological birth. Adoption leave is separate.
Salary top-up?
Not mandatory, but check collective agreement or contract. Many Rotterdam collective agreements provide top-up.
Tips for Rotterdam Parents
- Plan early with your employer to avoid conflicts, especially in port or shift work.
- Consult Rotterdam Legal Aid Office for free advice.
- Check Municipality of Rotterdam for local family support.