The announcement by the food delivery service Lieferando, like its main competitors, to continue relying on independent contracts instead of employment relationships for couriers, has prompted the Austrian Post to take action. Drivers who are now looking for jobs are welcome to apply to the Post, which is seeking almost 600 additional employees, for example in delivery. The Post offers a permanent position and a "fair salary" as well as numerous benefits.

As was the case yesterday, Tuesday, the Greens have again criticized the conversion of employment relationships into independent contracts. "This means that people lose important social rights such as the right to paid vacation or continued payment of wages in case of illness," said Markus Koza, labor and social spokesperson for the Greens.

Lieferando Points to Alignment with Competitors

Yesterday's announcement by Lieferando was preceded by months of ultimately successful collective bargaining negotiations for the industry. "The logistics model of Lieferando Austria is being aligned with the Austrian industry standard," explained Lieferando spokesperson Katrin Wala on Tuesday in response to an APA inquiry. This is being done after a "careful evaluation." Unlike Foodora and Wolt, Lieferando has mostly employed its couriers in Austria until now.

Nearly 700 Layoffs Planned

As reported by the "Standard," according to the Lieferando works council, 966 employees are affected. Lieferando stated upon inquiry: "Currently, our delivery fleet consists of around 850 drivers. With the termination of our employment model, we will, exhausting all possibilities, have to lay off around 600 drivers," said Wala. "Additionally, around 65 employees at our locations in Vienna and the federal states are affected." According to Lieferando, the latest step does not mean a withdrawal from Austria.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.