The Brussels Labour Court has ruled that Deliveroo Belgium should consider its food delivery bicycle couriers as employees.
The ruling overturns the previous court decision that sided with the UK-based food delivery company to classify the couriers as self-employed.
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The labour court’s verdict pertains to the case of 28 bicycle couriers and will potentially grant them additional benefits, reported Reuters.
In 2018, the bicycle couriers joined forces with the Brussels Labour Audit Office and the Belgian National Employment Office to file a lawsuit against Deliveroo.
Although this judgement is currently limited to these couriers, it is expected to influence the status of other Belgian couriers working for Deliveroo.
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The Brussels labour court ruling said: “The terms of the employment relationship established between Deliveroo and the couriers are incompatible with the qualification of an independent employment relationship and lead to the conclusion that this relationship must be considered as an employee relationship and therefore should be reclassified.”
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By GlobalDataIn response to the court’s decision, the company expressed its intention to appeal to the Belgian Court of Cassation.
If the ruling is upheld, the affected couriers are expected to gain access to employee benefits, including sick leave, a fixed salary, as well as paid vacation.
It conveyed its disappointment through an email, stating: “Because it does not take into account how our model works.”
“We provide flexible work, and this is highly appreciated by the riders that work with our platform in Belgium.”
In September this year, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat signed a charter with the Transport for London authority.
The charter is expected to enhance safety for motorcycle couriers and other road users in London.
