Childcare workers are entitled to a day off on the upcoming May 5th. This day off is established in the Cao Kinderopvang, the collective labor agreement that governs employment conditions for workers in the sector.
Liberation Day as an official public holiday in the collective agreement
In the Netherlands, Liberation Day is observed as a national public holiday every five years. However, under the Cao Kinderopvang, May 5th is structurally included as a day off for all childcare workers — regardless of whether it falls in a jubilee year. This means childcare organizations are required to give their staff the day off.
The Cao Kinderopvang applies to a large proportion of workers in the Dutch childcare sector, including staff at daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), after-school care (BSO) locations, and childminder agencies (gastouderbureaus). Employers are obligated to comply with the terms set out in the agreement.
What does this mean for parents?
This day off has practical implications for parents. On May 5th, many daycare centers and after-school care locations may be closed. It is advisable to check with your childcare provider in advance whether they will be open on Liberation Day.
- Check whether your childcare location is closed on May 5th
- Factor any closure into your work schedule
- Ask whether a swap day arrangement or alternative care is available
- Review your contract to see whether your daycare center charges or compensates for closure days
Many childcare organizations communicate closure days in advance through their parent portal or newsletter. If you have not yet received any notification, contact your childcare location directly.
For more information about the Cao Kinderopvang and the rights of childcare workers, visit the website of Brancheorganisatie Kinderopvang at kinderopvang.nl.