Around 100 Belgian delivery drivers working for the KM Group, an Amazon subcontractor in Flémalle, were collectively dismissed via WhatsApp after the company went bankrupt, leaving them without their July salary. The drivers also claimed they did not receive the necessary paperwork to apply for unemployment benefits, causing financial hardships for many of them. The General Labour Federation of Belgium and Confederation of Christian Trade Unions criticized the abrupt dismissal of the workers and the uncertain financial situation they were left in, emphasizing the lack of social dialogue during the termination process.
According to reports, KM Group’s bankruptcy was initiated following Amazon’s refusal to renegotiate the terms of their contract. Despite the bankruptcy filing, the company has yet to submit its official balance sheet, delaying the process for the dismissed employees to access emergency aid. The unions have stepped in to assist the workers in applying for assistance, but the lack of essential documents, such as the C4 form containing crucial financial information, has further complicated the situation. The unions are urging KM Group to file for bankruptcy admission so that the workers can collectively address their unpaid wages and other entitlements.
In response to the dismissal, the unions organized a demonstration outside the Amazon depot in Flémalle to draw attention to the issue and shed light on the challenging working conditions in the delivery sector. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness among consumers about the human impact of their online purchases and the potential exploitation of workers in the supply chain. The unions highlighted the need for better labor protections and fair treatment of workers in subcontracting arrangements, emphasizing the responsibility of companies like Amazon to ensure the well-being of all workers in their supply chain.
The former employees expressed their frustration with the sudden loss of income and the uncertainties about their financial future, especially in the absence of proper communication and support from their employer. The lack of transparency in the termination process and the failure to provide essential paperwork added to the distress of the dismissed workers, who now face challenges in meeting their financial obligations and providing for their families. The unions are working to expedite the process of accessing aid and recovering unpaid wages for the affected employees, while also advocating for stronger measures to protect workers in similar situations in the future.
The situation involving KM Group and its subcontracted delivery drivers highlights the vulnerabilities faced by workers in precarious employment situations, where sudden bankruptcies and contract terminations can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. The unions’ efforts to support the dismissed workers and hold the company accountable for its actions demonstrate the importance of collective action in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. By raising awareness and advocating for stronger labor protections, the unions aim to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to promote more equitable working conditions for all employees in the delivery sector and beyond.
