Newspaper Distribution Contract Controversy: Impact on Publishers and Delivery Workers

2024-03-26 14:59:00

The federal government decided in December not to award a new contract for the distribution of newspapers and magazines. The last contract was in the hands of bpost and expired at the end of last year.

Publishers will therefore have to choose their distributors themselves. Bpost competes with private players such as PPP, which employ freelancers as subcontractors.

Allocation of newspaper distribution: French-speaking publishers “relieved” that an agreement has been reached

PS MP Chanelle Bonaventure questioned the minister regarding a threat of unfair competition, with delivery people working in precarious conditions. “Will we have the same problems tomorrow as yesterday in the parcel sector?” she asked.

With the Parcel Act, Petra De Sutter imposed certain minimum requirements last year. Thousands of parcel delivery workers can now benefit from a minimum wage and the right to rest. Chanelle Bonaventure asked if these rules will be extended to the distribution of newspapers and magazines.

Petra De Sutter acknowledged that the distribution of newspapers and magazines currently does not fall within the scope of the Parcel Act. She added that it was no longer possible to integrate it during this legislature and that she hopes that the next government will do so.

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