How does the phase system work?

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UBN follows the ABU's phase system, which consists of three phases: A, B, and C. The phase you are in depends on the number of weeks you have been working at the staffing agency.

Please note: ABU’s tiered system changed in January 2022. If you start working as a temporary employee after January 3, 2022, the new system applies. If you started before that date, a transitional arrangement applies, and you will not be subject to the new system until 2023.

An overview of the phases

• Phase A: 52 (worked) weeks
• Phase B: up to 3 years
• Phase C: indefinite

Phase A

When you start as a temporary worker, you enter Phase A. This phase lasts for 52 weeks during which you work. Every week you work counts, regardless of the number of hours. Starting January 2, 2023, the weeks during which you take paid vacation also count, regardless of how many vacation hours you take. Were you employed before January 3, 2022? Then Phase A lasts 78 weeks. After that, you move on to Phase B.

If you have worked in Phase A for more than 52 weeks, you must give 10 days' notice before you can end your assignment. At UBN, you receive 4-week contracts in Phase A that are automatically renewed.

Suspension of work during Phase A

Sometimes you can’t go back to work right away when a contract ends. If you’re out of work for less than 25 weeks, the weeks you’ve already worked will be carried over. The staffing agency will then continue counting from where you left off. The weeks you worked for another staffing agency also count toward this total.

Please note: If you are unemployed for more than 6 months between two temporary employment contracts, you will start over in Phase A of the phase system.

Phase B

Will you return to work at the same staffing agency immediately after Phase A or within six months? If so, you will enter Phase B. Phase B lasts 3 years. During this period, you may be offered a maximum of six contracts. Were you already working before January 3, 2022? If so, Phase B lasts 4 years.

In Phase B, you agree on a set number of hours. For example, if you have a contract for 20 hours a week but there isn’t enough work, you’ll still be paid for 20 hours. Your set hours are the minimum for which you’ll be paid.

Suspension of work during Phase B

The end date of your contract is when the count begins. If you do not work for 26 weeks, your Phase B contract expires. If you start working for the temp agency again after that, you will start over in Phase A.

Phase C

In Phase C, you will be offered a permanent contract. You will no longer receive temporary contracts because you already have a permanent contract.

Suspension of work on Phase C

Your Phase C contract expires if you stop working for the staffing agency for more than 6 months. If you start working for the staffing agency again after that, you will start over at Phase A.

Are you interested in working as a temporary employee? Then take a look at our current job openings. At UBN, we’ll help you find a job that’s right for you, so you can start working with enthusiasm and energy.

View our job openings here