PostNL invites independent parcel deliverers to join the company

PostNL is today (13 July) inviting all its independent parcel deliverers to become company employees. Alternatively, if they do choose to remain as “entrepreneurs”, the company said that they will “earn more than at this moment”. As previously reported, this decision follows on from union concerns over the status of PostNL’s 1,000+ freelancers.

PostNL said that it expects a financial impact from these measures of between 15m and 20m euros annually.

In an official statement issued today, PostNL said: “The offer has been discussed with the FNV trade union over the past period. These talks led to a negotiation result which FNV presented to the independent parcel deliverers last Sunday in three meetings. The independent parcel deliverers present at the meetings voted in favour of the offer in two meetings and against in a third meeting. On balance, the offer was not accepted by those present. Attendance was limited. PostNL believes that the negotiation result represents a good offer. In the coming time, PostNL will be discussing the matter with the independent parcel deliverers.”

Yme Pasma, the company’s Director for packages,  claimed: “By making this offer, PostNL is taking an important step towards a social and competitive delivery model. The offer is also groundbreaking in the parcels market. And it creates clarity for all our parcel deliverers.”

Independent parcel deliverers who choose to join the company will be offered indefinite contracts which conform to all the employment terms and conditions of the PostNL CLA.  For those who choose to remain independent, said PostNL, “remuneration will be increased by about 10%”.

The company statement added: “As a result of this offer there will be no difference in costs between independent parcel deliverers and PostNL employees.”