In the hospitality industry, you often work when others are having lunch or dinner. And yes, you also get hungry from working hard. So it makes sense that you should also have a chance to eat. How is this actually arranged in hospitality?
I frequently get asked whether hospitality workers are entitled to a meal (allowance). After all, you often work during meal times. Unfortunately, the CLA hospitality 2010-2012 (which has now expired) did not include anything about a meal allowance. The law also does not state that your employer is obliged to offer you a (free) meal. Always check the latest CLA.
The worst-case scenario
In the worst-case scenario, your employer could even charge the same rate for a meal as guests pay. I hope this does not happen in practice. Your employer should, as the face of the business, accommodate you.
The law
Fortunately, we often hear that employers provide staff meals at a reduced rate. Employers are allowed to deduct €4.20 from wages if they provide a hot meal. If a lunch is provided by the employer, €2.20 may be deducted. If employers offer meals for free, no tax is paid on this, which the tax authorities do not intend.
Take note
If you were already employed by your Updates employer before 2005 and you were entitled to a meal allowance then, it cannot be withdrawn. A contractual agreement made at any time cannot be withdrawn without consultation.
We find it unfortunate that hospitality workers do not automatically have the right to a meal allowance and hope that this is well arranged at your workplace. What are your experiences?