Bpost strike ends as deal reached on transformation plan
Management and unions at Belgian postal operator Bpost have reached an agreement on how to implement the company’s transformation plan, ending weeks of industrial action.
The deal was struck on Thursday evening and should see work resume across the country from Friday. Efforts are under way to clear a large backlog of undelivered mail and parcels.
Staff had been taking strike action since late March in protest at proposed changes to working hours. The dispute was most intense in Wallonia, where participation was highest.
Under the agreement, most postal services will now finish by 5pm. The majority of postmen and postwomen will start their rounds between 9am and 10am, rather than the previous 6am to 7am. Bpost said this concession would help workers manage family commitments, such as collecting children from school.
Employees will also be able to keep their regular delivery rounds, while meal vouchers will increase by €2. In addition, a pool of volunteer staff will be created to cover flexible routes, reducing the need for subcontractors.
Workers will receive their schedules at least one week in advance.
Talks will continue in the coming weeks, with the aim of reaching a final agreement on the full plan by 30 April.
Bpost said it is now working to clear “hundreds of thousands” of delayed letters and parcels caused by the strike.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND