The Brussels Labour Court has mandated that Deliveroo Belgium must recognise its bicycle couriers for food delivery as employees.
The verdict overturns the prior court judgment that favoured the UK-based food delivery company’s classification of the couriers as self-employed.
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 collaborated with the Brussels Labour Audit Office and the Belgian National Employment Office to initiate legal action against Deliveroo.
While the current ruling applies specifically to these couriers, it is anticipated to impact the status of other Belgian couriers employed by Deliveroo.
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.”
Following the court’s decision, the company has conveyed its intention to appeal to the Belgian Court of Cassation.
Should the judgment stand, the impacted couriers are anticipated to secure access to employee benefits such as sick leave, a stable salary, and 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 entered into a charter with the Transport for London authority.
The charter is anticipated to improve safety for motorcycle couriers and other road users in London.