Labor union warns of unsafe conditions for delivery workers during Black Friday

FNV is raising concerns for delivery and parcel workers during Black Friday. The union says that for thousands of couriers, the week is “far from a celebration” and instead brings “particularly demanding and unsafe work.” FNV is urging the government to step in.

FNV surveyed workers in the parcel delivery sector and found that the physical demands are significant. Many couriers experience health issues or report being sick due to overexertion, the union said.

Delivery routes average 120 to 150 stops per day, with some reaching as many as 200. Workers also cite unsafe sorting facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate break times as major concerns.

The union is calling on policymakers to impose “strict regulations” on courier companies, addressing issues such as maximum package weights, work pressure, available equipment, and mandated break times.

Postal and parcel carrier DHL emphasizes that it prioritizes the working conditions of its delivery employees. The company seeks to reduce physical strain through equipment and automation.

DHL also provides training and guidance and enforces existing rules on lifting and weight limits. The company says it strictly follows working hours. “Naturally, our couriers have more stops during this period, but they are also allotted proportionally more time,” a DHL spokesperson stated.

PostNL says it processes record volumes of parcels around Black Friday. On what it called the “busiest day ever,” the company handled over 2.8 million packages. The combination of Black Friday and the holiday season causes a massive surge in parcel volumes. Last year, PostNL handled nearly 18 million packages between Black Friday and Sinterklaas.