Peeters highlights the significant impact of the loss of the newspaper contract on their operations. There is a transition period in place that will come to an end by the close of June. Following this period, the support commercial publishers receive from the government for distribution in rural municipalities will be restricted until the end of 2026.
Peeters is unable to provide a specific number of jobs that could potentially be at risk due to the withdrawal of government subsidies. As it stands, the newspaper distribution offers Bpost with work for approximately 4,000 full-time equivalents. Peeters states, “The exact impact will largely be determined by the volumes that we will still be allowed to process,” He further acknowledges the tension this situation brings to everyone involved but reassures that they will strive to continue distributing as many newspapers as possible.
Minister De Sutter did not anticipate layoffs
Minister De Sutter, who is in charge of guardianship, stated at the beginning of February that she does not anticipate any layoffs. She asserts, “Bpost has absolutely no intention of initiating discussions about social plans or major restructuring. That I can confirm. And we as a government will play our role,” This statement was made following a strike and was reported in De Tijd.
However, the CEO of Bpost, Peeters, has a slightly different viewpoint. He concedes, “I cannot rule out a restructuring,” As a CEO, Peeters acknowledges his responsibility to make necessary changes if they no longer have volume. He asserts, “We’re not going to have our employees sitting idle. That’s exactly why we are putting maximum effort into securing new contracts. It is a very complex and challenging operation, but I am hopeful.”
Peeters further reveals that he is involving the unions in the discussions. He is looking into possibilities for internal mobility within the company to prevent job losses.
Peeters is set to disclose his future plans for Bpost for the first time on Tuesday in the House Committee on Public Enterprises.
