syndicom. The union for delivery and logistics workers.
syndicom is the union for workers within the delivery and parcel logistics sectors. Together, we fight for good working conditions and wages for delivery drivers and couriers, as well as for our colleagues in the sorting and distribution centers.
What we as a union do for you
Do you work for DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx, GO!, 7Days or other similar companies?
Parcel couriers have a tough job. They work excessively long days, and their delivery routes are too long (often due to poorly calculated algorithms). And all this for low wages. The liberalization of the postal market has led to poor working conditions when it comes to in delivery and sorting. There is fierce price competition, with companies and their subcontractors undercutting each other.
syndicom is aware of the problems faced by couriers – as a union representing postal workers, it is familiar with the challenges of the delivery industry. Together with its members, it fights for better wages and improved working conditions. syndicom is currently working to negotiate a generally binding collective labor agreement with employers’ associations in the delivery sector. The best way to support us is by becoming a member of the union.
Do you work for Planzer Paket?
Dozens of delivery workers from «Planzer Paket” got in touch with syndicom during 2022. They reported grievances at their locations. Together with the syndicom, the organized workforce put pressure on their employer until the company agreed to negotiate a collective labor agreement.
Solutions were found for most of the employees’ concerns and demands through negotiations with the employer. Since October 2023, a collective labor agreement has governed the employment relationships of the employees of «Planzer Paket». This is an important step forward, has noticeably improved their working conditions, and proves that workplace problems are better solved collectively!
Do you work for Smood or Chaskis?
syndicom has represented Smood’s couriers since 2018. Together with representatives of the couriers, we negotiated improved working conditions with Smood’s management. The policies are laid down in a collective labor agreement (CLA). The Smood couriers approved the CLA in a ballot vote.
Thanks to the collective labor agreement, Smood’s couriers receive a minimum wage of 23 Swiss francs per hour (excluding tips and bonuses), shifts generally last at least two hours, they are offered at least 4 working hours per week, Sunday work attracts a 5 percent supplement, they have co-determination rights in the company, and much more…
The employees of Chaskis SA deliver meals using the Uber app. Chaskis SA is a member of the employers’ association for urban courier services, «Swiss Messenger Logistics». In 2020, Chaskis SA joined the collective labor agreement (CLA) applicable to the bicycle and food courier sector. The company employs its staff under the conditions stipulated in this CLA. This made Chaskis SA the first Uber partner company to recognize the industry regulations.
Do you work as a bicycle courier?
syndicom unites bicycle couriers throughout Switzerland. Together with our members, in 2019 we were able to negotiate a collective labor agreement (CLA) with the employers’ association for bicycle and food couriers, «Swiss Messenger Logistics».
The employees of the 17 companies affiliated with the association benefit from the protection afforded by a collective labor agreement (CLA), which guarantees them fair employment conditions and minimum wages. The CLA also stipulates, for example, wage supplements (for Sunday work) and minimum rates for expenses (for using one’s own bicycle or mobile phone).
Do you work for as a food courier for JustEat, Just-Delivered, Bring, Chaskis, UberEats or other similar companies?
Do you deliver food by car, e-bike, or bicycle? Food couriers have been a common sight in our cities long before the pandemic. Wages in this sector are low, and working conditions are poor. syndicom, together with its members, is fighting for improvements: we want good working conditions and secure jobs for all food couriers.
Certain food delivery services such as Smood, Chaskis and Velo-Gourmet have signed up to the collective labor agreement (CLA) for bicycle and food couriers. Their employees benefit from the protection afforded by a collective labor agreement (CLA), which guarantees them fair employment conditions and minimum wages. The CLA also stipulates, for example, wage supplements (for Sunday work) or minimum allowances for expenses (for using one’s own bicycle or mobile phone).
The future of the delivery and logistics industry – what we plan to do
Good working conditions don’t just fall from the sky. That’s always been the case, and is not going to change. One thing is quite clear: only a collective labor agreement (CLA) guarantees full protection of working conditions and employment terms. A CLA cannot be unilaterally downgraded by the employer. Nearly 60 percent of Swiss employees are protected by a CLA.
We are fighting for better wages and conditions for workers in the delivery and logistics sector and want to protect them through collective labor agreements.
Urs Zbinden, Central Secretary
Our goal: Good working conditions and better wages – will you join us??
syndicom demands shorter working days, no unpaid overtime, shorter routes, better wages, lighter packages, and genuine health protection. In short: we are fighting for good working conditions and secure jobs for couriers and delivery drivers.
Whether you work as a parcel courier for DHL or DPD, as a bike courier in the city, as a food courier for JustEat or Smood, or in a sorting or distribution center for another provider – syndicom is your union in the logistics sector. We understand the challenges faced by couriers and delivery drivers, and together with our members, we fight for real improvements.
syndicom is currently working on a generally binding collective labor agreement for the industry as whole. We are doing this by negotiating with the employers’ associations in the delivery sector. We achieve our goals by organizing ourselves and working together.
