## Year-End Bonus in the CAO for Delft Residents
For residents of Delft, a **year-end bonus** in the CAO is a welcome extra payment at the end of the year, especially in sectors like education and technology that are prominent in the city. This bonus, often as a reward for a year of hard work, is not required by law but is set out in the collective labour agreement (CAO) of your sector or employer. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage of your annual salary, and sometimes functions as a **thirteenth month**. In this article, tailored to Delft residents, we discuss the rules, your rights, and local practices surrounding this payment.
### What is a Year-End Bonus in Delft?
The **year-end bonus CAO** provides employers in Delft with a way to appreciate staff, typically paid in November or December. This motivates employees in local sectors such as retail in the city center or the high-tech industry at TU Delft. Unlike the legally required holiday pay, this bonus depends on CAO agreements. For example, in the construction sector, relevant to Delft's infrastructure projects, it is often a standard component. The amount can be 8.33% of your gross annual salary, which results in a net extra month's pay after taxes.
Note: Not all CAOs in Delft sectors include it. If it's not mentioned in your CAO or employment contract, you cannot claim it. Check your CAO through your union's website, your employer, or the Juridisch Loket Delft for personalized advice.
### Legal Basis of the Year-End Bonus for Delft Residents
This **year-end bonus** does not stem directly from the law but from employment law in Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Article 7:613 BW emphasizes the CAO as key to employment conditions. CAOs bind employers and employees in sectors such as the Municipality of Delft and are approved by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment.
Without a CAO, it may fall under general conditions (Article 7:611 BW). The Collective Labour Agreement Act (WCAO) governs its formation and application. Tax-wise, it is subject to wage tax (Wage Tax Act 1964, Article 10), but it may be exempt under the work-related costs scheme (WKR) if it's a special bonus. In Delft, for compliance issues, contact the Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW); for disputes, file a complaint with the District Court of The Hague (Article 7:670 BW), the local employment tribunal.
### Practical Examples of Year-End Bonus in Delft
Consider an employee in the Delft retail sector under the CAO for Retail: this often includes a bonus of 4% of the annual salary in December. With a gross annual salary of €30,000, you receive an extra €1,200, added to your December pay and subject to premiums and taxes.
In local care or education settings, such as at TU Delft under relevant CAOs, it depends on seniority. A lecturer with 10 years of experience might get a higher percentage than a newcomer. If your employer goes bankrupt, you can claim outstanding amounts, including this bonus, through UWV (Unemployment Act, Article 87). Freelancers in Delft, often in creative or tech fields, do not automatically receive it unless specified in their contract – a fixed CAO contract provides more security in the region.
### Rights and Obligations Regarding the Year-End Bonus in Delft
As a Delft employee, you are entitled to the **year-end bonus CAO** if it is stated in your CAO and you meet the conditions, such as completing a full year of service or minimum working weeks. Your obligation is to perform your duties as per your contract; in cases of illness or dismissal, it is calculated pro rata, for example, 6/12 if dismissed mid-year.
Employers must pay it on time and explain the calculation. Deductions are only possible for valid reasons, such as poor performance. In case of disagreement: start internally, then involve your union or visit the Juridisch Loket Delft for free legal support.
#### Conditions for the Bonus in the Delft Region
- You must be employed on the reference date, often December 31.
- Pro rata for part-time work or changes in employment during the year.
- Exceptions for disciplinary measures.
### Comparison: Year-End Bonus Versus Other Allowances for Delft Residents
| Aspect | Year-End Bonus | Holiday Pay | Thirteenth Month |
|----------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Legal Basis | CAO (BW 7:613) | Statutory (BW 7:637) | CAO or contract |
| Amount | Variable, e.g., 4-8% of annual salary | 8% of holiday pay | 1 month's salary |
| Payment Time | November/December | May/June | End of year |
| Taxation | Wage tax | Wage tax | Wage tax |
The year-end bonus often overlaps with the thirteenth month, but holiday pay is always mandatory. For Delft residents working for the Municipality of Delft or TU Delft, specific CAOs apply. For more info, see our article on [Year-End Bonus and Thirteenth Month](/year-end-bonus-and-thirteenth-month).
### Frequently Asked Questions for Delft Residents
Is a year-end bonus mandatory for my employer in Delft?
No, not by law, but yes if it's in your CAO. Check via your union, employer, or the Juridisch Loket Delft.
When do I receive the bonus if I've been ill?
Generally pro rata based on months worked. If you've been ill for more than 52 weeks, it may be forfeited; check your CAO or consult the Juridisch Loket Delft for regional specifics.