Self-employed couriers to get minimum wage of 32.77 euros an hour
Self-employed couriers will receive a minimum wage of 32.77 euros per hour from 2024. The wage has been calculated by the Federal Public Service Economy and set out in a Royal Decree that will be approved on Friday. The amount will be reviewed every six months. "The minimum remuneration made possible by the parcel law is unique in Europe," says Post minister Petra De Sutter.
In addition to the calculation of a minimum wage, coordinators will be appointed in postal parcel depots to provide information to couriers. "They will inform couriers about their rights and obligations when they start working for a parcel company," De Sutter said. "The coordinators will also draw up a plan to identify risks and prevent violations."
The minimum wage for couriers is a gross amount that includes transport costs, clothing costs, telephone costs, wages, social security contributions and hospitalisation insurance. These amounts are indexed and vary depending on whether the person rides a bicycle or drives a van.
De Sutter said no parcel company should pay less than this, "but they are welcome to pay more. I don't know how much they earn today, but we know what the checks have shown: couriers often have to work under the table to make ends meet."
© PHOTO SEAN RAYFORD/GETTY IMAGES/AFP
Related news
