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Lieferando cuts 40 jobs in Potsdam: Union sounds the alarm!
Lieferando is cutting around 40 jobs in Potsdam. The union criticizes the outsourcing strategy and calls for measures for employees.
Lieferando cuts 40 jobs in Potsdam: Union sounds the alarm!
In a surprising move, Lieferando announced on Thursday that around 40 jobs would be cut in Potsdam. This announcement hit courier drivers hard as they are part of a much larger plan by the company. A total of 2,000 drivers are expected to be laid off in 34 cities by the end of the year, which is causing worried faces in the industry. In the future, Lieferando plans to outsource food delivery to subcontractors.
The outsourcing is intended to enable the company to serve customer requirements in a more agile manner, but the NGG union expresses clear criticism of this new strategy. She describes these developments as “bad” and warns that they will only worsen working conditions in the industry. In many cities where works councils exist, employees are particularly affected. Lieferando was previously seen as one of the few companies with permanent drivers and a works council, but is now in danger of taking a step backwards.
The reactions of the unions
Anja Piel, board member of the DGB, speaks of a scandal and criticizes the company's anti-union stance. In particular, the decisions made in cities with works councils show that employees' rights are not sufficiently respected. Piel calls on the federal government to act and suggests employing workers in the delivery service industry directly. In this context, she points to the example of the meat industry, where similar solutions have already been successfully implemented.
The allegations against the subcontractors should not be underestimated, as they are often criticized for exploitative conditions and bogus self-employment. Even though Lieferando states that it will oblige future subcontractors to comply with legal requirements, the general works council expresses concerns that this could circumvent working standards and minimum wages. The industry urgently needs a rethink and clearer legal regulations.
Well prepared for outsourcing?
The affected courier drivers now have to prepare for an uncertain future. The outsourcing started in some Berlin districts in March and is now being expanded to the whole of Germany rbb24 reported. The legal framework for outsourcing is complex, and anyone who deals with it must consider different aspects in order to survive in the new system temporary work-international.
A good part of the responsibility now also falls on the political level. Piel calls for the European Platform Directive to be quickly and effectively implemented into national law in order to improve working conditions in the industry. If unions join forces with the government, this could be the key to fairer workplaces. Until then, it remains to be seen how the affected Lieferando employees will deal with this sudden change. One thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial for the future of the company and its employees.