Collective labor agreement for temporary workers 2026: what changes for you

Starting January 1, 2026, a new collective labor agreement (CLA) for temporary workers will take effect. This CLA is linked to the proposed law More security for flexible workers. What does this mean for you? Better working conditions, more pension savings, and fairer pay. Here is what you need to know.

Minimum wage

The statutory minimum wage will be indexed again as of 1 January 2026, based on the semi-annual indexation. The increase amounts to 2.16% compared to the statutory minimum wage (WML) as of July 2025. After rounding, the following hourly wages will apply from 01-01-2026:

21 years € 14.71
20 years € 11.77
19 years € 8.83
18 years € 7.36
17 years € 5.81
16 years € 5.07
15 years € 4.41

This increase is part of a broader trend. Since 2024, a uniform minimum hourly wage has applied to everyone aged 21 and over, regardless of whether someone works 36, 38 or 40 hours per week. This makes comparisons easier. And the impact more noticeable.

Equal pay for temporary workers

Do you do the same work as colleagues who are directly employed by the company where you work? Under the new 2026 CLA for temporary workers, you are entitled to equal pay. Your employment conditions may differ slightly, but in the end, you must receive the same value.

Examples include:

• Extra vacation days if your colleagues receive them
• A profit-sharing bonus if this is common within the company
• 100% continued salary payment during sick leave if this applies to permanent employees
• More pension savings through your employment agency

Building up more pension

From 2026, you will build up more pension with the new CLA. Your employment agency will pay most of the contribution, and you will pay a smaller part yourself. This way, you save for the future. If the company where you work has a better pension plan, you will receive compensation for that. If the company plan is less favorable or does not exist, nothing changes.

Phases and your legal position

The rules will change when the More security for flexible workers law takes effect, expected on January 1, 2027.

• Phase A: Multiple short-term temporary contracts for a fixed period (stays the same)
• Phase B: From three years to two years, with a maximum of six temporary contracts
• Phase C: Permanent contract, stays the same

Longer break period

Currently, you start again in Phase A if you have not worked through your employment agency for more than six months. From 2027, this will only happen after five years. If your break is shorter than 60 months, you will keep your built-up phase.

Notice period and other rules

The CLA also includes rules about, for example, the notice period. It is a good idea to discuss these changes with your regular HOBIJ contact person to understand what they mean for you.

Do you need to arrange anything yourself?

No, you do not need to take any action. We will take care of the transition to the new 2026 CLA for temporary workers. Do you have questions? Contact your regular contact person or follow our Instagram page. We will update this blog as soon as more information is available.

ABU video and explanations in multiple languages

The ABU (General Union for Temporary Employment Agencies) has created a video that clearly explains the changes in the CLA for temporary workers. This video is available in several languages:

• English – Watch here
• Polish – Obejrzyj tutaj
• Romanian – Urmărește aici
• Ukrainian – Дивись тут

What the 2026 CLA means for you

The 2026 CLA for temporary workers brings more security, better pension savings, and fairer pay. HOBIJ will guide you step by step through this process so you know exactly where you stand and can look to the future with confidence.