Self-employed parcel couriers will be paid a minimum of 32.77 euro/hour. The minimum hourly payment for couriers was calculated by the Federal Economy Department and has been included in one of the royal decrees that the Federal Cabinet will approve today (Friday 24 November).
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Minimum hourly rate set for self-employed parcel couriers
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The Federal Minister responsible for postal services Petra De Sutter (Flemish green) explains that the payment includes not only the courier’s wage, but also (amongst other things) their transport costs, clothing and telephone expenses, their social security contribution and their hospitalisation insurance. The level of the payment will be index-linked and will also be reviewed every 6 months.
Ms De Sutter told journalists that "The minimum payment that has been made possible thanks to the Parcel Bill is unique in Europe". The Parcel Bill aims to stamp out the exploitation of couriers by parcel delivery companies.
In addition to setting minimum hourly rates the royal decrees also defines the role of health and safety at work coordinators that will work at parcel depots.
"'Coordinators will be appointed that will provide information to couriers. They will inform couriers about their rights and obligations when they start working for a parcel company. In addition to this they will draw up a plan that will identify risks and prevent safety breaches”.
Ms De Sutter stressed that no parcel company will be allowed to pay less than the minimum amount stated in the royal decree. "I don’t know how much they currently earn, but from checks that have been carried out we do know that parcel courier now often have to work undeclared in order to make ends meet”.