Management at the Belgian post office Bpost say that have reached an agreement with the unions on how to implement the company’s transformation plan. However, the unions say that they will have to put the agreement to their members. On Friday postal workers returned to work after what has been weeks of Industrial action.
Postal workers across the country have returned to work today (Friday 17 April) and efforts are now under way to clear a large backlog of undelivered letters and parcels.
The strike began late last month. It is in protest at proposed changes to working hours. Participation in the strike was highest among postal workers in Wallonia.
Under the proposals put forward on Thursday, most postal workers will not have to continue working beyond 5pm. The majority of postmen and postwomen will start their rounds between 9am and 10am, rather than between 6am and 7am as is currently the case. Bpost said this concession would help workers manage family commitments, such as collecting children from school.
Post(wo)men will also be able to keep their regular delivery rounds. The value of the luncheon vouchers post office staff receive for each day that they work will increase by 2 euro. In addition to this, a pool of staff will be created to cover flexible routes. This will reduce the need for subcontractors. Postal workers will receive their rosters 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 the end of the month.
In a statement Bpost said it is now working to clear “hundreds of thousands” of letters and parcels that have been delayed by the strike.