Talks to resolve Bpost strike extended to late May

Negotiations between management and unions at Bpost will resume next week. Both sides aim to reach an agreement by 28 May after weeks of strike action.

The dispute centres on plans to change postmen’s working hours, shifting deliveries from early morning to later in the day. Management says the move is needed as the company adapts to a growing parcels market and a sharp decline in letter volumes. However, many workers argue the changes would disrupt their work-life balance, particularly by reducing free time in the afternoons.

Strikes have been ongoing since late March, with disruption especially severe in Brussels. On Thursday, the Schaerbeek distribution centre remained blocked, continuing to affect postal services in the capital.

Brussels left without mail for nearly two weeks as Bpost strike drags on

All three of Bpost's distribution centres in Brussels remained blocked on Friday, leaving the capital without postal service for close to two...

belganewsagency.eu

An agreement had initially been expected by the end of April, but that deadline has now been pushed back by a month. Recent days have seen preliminary talks, including meetings involving Chris Peeters, head of Bpost’s parent group.

Both sides will return to formal negotiations from Tuesday in an effort to end the ongoing industrial action and reach a compromise before the end of May.

^{© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}