The Dutch cabinet plans on raising the minimum wage already starting next year, reports the NOS.
Originally, the plan to increase the minimum wage by 7.5% was to occur between 2024 and 2025, as stated in the coalition agreement.
READ MORE | From minimum wage to childcare: a roundup of Rutte IV’s proposal
Thankfully, the Dutch cabinet changed this because they want to increase the purchasing power of those earning a minimum wage salary at a quicker pace, due to recent high inflation.
What does this change imply?
In 2023, the Dutch cabinet will increase the minimum wage via a three-step process, sticking with the original decision to increase it by 7.5%.
For example, the minimum wage for those 21 and older working full-time is now €1725 per month. But, this will rise to approximately €1854 after the increase. 🤓
READ MORE | Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages
30% ex-pat rule
Currently, foreign residents working in the Netherlands pay no tax on a maximum of 30% of their income.
According to RTL Nieuws, this rule will now only apply to incomes reaching a maximum of €216,000 — a.k.a de Balkenendenorm (a rule that government workers in the Netherlands may not earn more than 130% of a minister’s salary).
What do you think of the Dutch cabinet’s decision? Tell us in the comments below!
“a rule that government workers in the Netherlands may not earn more than 130% of a minister’s salary”- this is wrong on so many levels. What if the government worker is actually a cybersecurity engineer who could earn many times in the private sector?
The only truly fair minimum wage is no minimum wage at all. Forcing employers and workers to accept a government dictated wage rather than what they would agree upon themselves is yet another example of socialist/fascists trying to run every aspect of peoples lives. You cannot have a minimum wage and still believe in freedom.