Bpost backlog could take six weeks to clear

The Bpost strike that has been going on since the end of March has resulted in a backlog of hundreds of thousands of parcels and letters that could take six weeks to clear.

While there are no longer any strikers in Flanders, some remain in Wallonia and Brussels.

Workers are blocking distribution centres in protest against proposed changes to schedules that, among other things, result in work days starting and ending later, which they say will negatively affect work-life balance.

Last Monday, management presented a new proposal and unions and management met to discuss the matter on Thursday and Friday.

But while negotiations were due to continue this week, the plans have fallen through. Bpost management insists its door remains "wide open" for consultation.

In the meantime, the backlog remains and CGSP union secretary Thierry Tasset said clearing it would be a challenge.

Post delivery remains disrupted in Brussels , with only half of the rounds able to be completed. In Wallonia, about nine out of 10 rounds are going ahead as usual. In Flanders, all postal deliveries have resumed.

In places with delays, priority is being given to condolence letters and vehicle number-plates, according to Bpost spokesperson Mathieu Goedefroy.

Unions and management both aim to reach an agreement by Thursday 30 April.