SIM cards, condolence letters, number plates and even queen bees: due to the weeks-long strike at Bpost, many items are going missing or facing significant delays. It was previously reported that thousands of stool samples for bowel cancer screening have also become unusable.
Dossier
Dead bees, blocked bank cards & missing number plates: problems mount due to Bpost strike
As many as 5,500 stool samples have been lost due to the weeks-long strike at Bpost. The parcels were in transit for more than 14 days, according to an enquiry by VRT NWS, following a report from reader Patrick.
Several listeners of De Ochtend on Radio 1 also reported that their parcels had gone missing or been delayed, often causing considerable problems.
Beekeeper Dylan always sends his insects by post, which normally means they arrive the next day. Recently, however, it has taken much longer.
“Unfortunately, the bees have died because they’ve been in transit for far too long,” he says. “Spring is a busy time for us. We send out queens every week, so we’ve had to look for an alternative.”
Listener Chris, meanwhile, has been unable to make or receive calls for several days now: after switching to a different provider, his new SIM card still hasn’t been delivered.
Proximus confirms that SIM cards are often sent by standard delivery and may be stuck somewhere in the post. “We recommend visiting one of our local shops, where we always have plenty in stock and our staff can help you install your new SIM card,” says spokesperson Fabrice Gansbeke.
Another frustrating situation: due to the strike, the dispatch of number plates is being delayed, meaning many people have to wait to drive their new cars.
Number plates are distributed exclusively by post. “That is obviously a problem, but we would naturally advise against driving a car without a number plate,” says Laura Claeys of consumer organisation Testaankoop.
Many people have also experienced problems with their bank cards. Griet blocked her bank card after losing it, but she had to wait weeks for a new one. In the meantime, her banking app was also blocked, meaning she could no longer make payments.
Bpost staff are protesting against a proposed change in working hours to later in the day. Management says the change is necessary because the company now delivers far fewer letters and far more parcels. Employees say the proposals would have a significant impact on their lives.
Another listener reported that his plants had been ruined by the time they arrived, as they had gone too long without watering. Condolence letters also didn’t arrive on time, despite priority stamps, and someone had to find a solution for the start of their renovations, as their building permit arrived almost 10 days late.
Many people are worried about extra charges because they don’t receive their bills on time and therefore pay them late.
“If it’s your first bill, you’ll receive a free reminder in any case,” says Claeys. “You can also contact the company that sent the bill to let them know you haven’t received a letter yet but do want to pay.”
And what about returned parcels that don’t arrive within the required timeframe? “Don’t worry, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal,” says Testaankoop. “Within that period, you just need to let them know that you’re returning a parcel. After that, you have another 14 days to return the parcel.”
We would naturally advise against driving a car without a number plate
