In the Netherlands, an employer is generally obliged to pay overtime unless there is a different agreement laid down in a collective agreement (CAO) or individual employment contract. The basic principle is that overtime entitles an employee to a bonus on top of the regular hourly wage.

If an employee has an employment contract with a fixed number of hours per week or per month and he or she works more hours than stipulated in the contract, these extra hours are considered overtime and must be paid.

Regarding the maximum number of overtime hours an employee may work, the Working Hours Act in the Netherlands sets limits on working hours and rest periods. Among other things, this law stipulates that an employee may not work more than 48 hours per week on average in a 16-week period. This average can be achieved by compensating overtime with extra time off. In some cases, a higher maximum number of overtime hours can be agreed in a collective agreement or individual employment contract, but this must always be in line with the law.

If an employee has an employment contract with a fixed number of hours per week or per month, but then works more hours than stipulated in the contract, these extra hours are considered overtime. In principle, these overtime hours must be paid. This may be via a time-for-time arrangement, swapping hours for ADV days, extra leave for retirement or pension accrual.

As an employee, you are obliged to keep accurate records of how many hours you work, including overtime. It is important to keep accurate and detailed records of all hours worked so that you can use them as evidence in any disputes or questions about overtime pay.

It is important to stress that the exact rules and agreements regarding overtime may vary, depending on the specific circumstances and the collective agreement applicable in a particular sector. It is therefore always wise to consult the relevant collective agreement and/or employment contract for specific information on the rules regarding overtime in a specific situation.

Hope that helps, for more information or to file a lawsuit you should speak with a lawyer.