oproepkrachten

Oproepkrachten are workers who are employed on an on-call basis, meaning their working hours are not guaranteed and they are called in to work as needed. This form of work is common in sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare and logistics, where demand fluctuates and staffing needs are variable.

There are several common models of oproepkrachten. In zero-hour arrangements, a worker is available for shifts but receives payment only for hours actually worked. In other setups, workers have a contract with a set of possible hours or blocks of hours, but the employer can still cancel or adjust shifts on short notice. The exact terms are often described in the employment contract and may be further regulated by sector-specific collective labor agreements (cao’s).

Rights and compensation for oproepkrachten depend on national law and the applicable cao. They typically receive pay for hours worked and accumulate statutory benefits such as vacation days proportional to hours worked. They may also be entitled to certain protections around scheduling notice and access to unemployment benefits or pensions, depending on the jurisdiction and loading of hours. Wages must meet minimum standards for the hours actually worked, and other rights (for example, holiday pay) apply as with other workers. In many sectors, cao provisions address minimum calling time, notice periods, and rules for converting to permanent employment after a period of on-call work.

Criticism of oproepkrachten centers on job insecurity and unpredictable schedules. Policymakers and unions in several countries seek to improve predictability, ensure fair compensation, and provide clearer pathways to permanent employment while preserving workplace flexibility.