Legal assistance with employment law

Questioner

As of March 1, 2020, I will be working part-time, 32 hours per week (whereas I currently work 40 hours per week). My preference was for a fixed day off on Friday, but given the working conditions this is not possible and it has now become a mix of days off on Monday or Friday. On the one hand, my preference for a roster-free day on Friday has been taken into account, but on the other hand, a number of Mondays have been designated as roster-free days in connection with the delivery date of the software releases. Now I noticed that all 'holidays' in 2020, namely Easter Monday, Whit Monday, King's Day, and Christmas Day, have been designated as roster-free days, which makes me feel disadvantaged in a certain way compared to part-timers with a fixed roster-free day. My boss explained that he strives for optimal staffing levels, but I don't think this is fair to me. He gave me the choice of accepting this or simply continuing to work 40 hours a week. I would like to know what my rights are in this regard and what action I could possibly take? Yours sincerely, M.

Questioner

In short, your employer is obligated to compensate you for public holidays that fall on your scheduled day off. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has ruled on this, as this constitutes unequal treatment. I recommend that you bring this to your employer's attention. Be careful not to jeopardize the employment relationship. If your employer refuses, I recommend contacting an employment law specialist or myself. Our specialized network of employment law specialists will be happy to assist you. Please click the link next to this answer in due course.