AK Vienna: Criticism of Working Conditions in the Parcel Industry Again

The AK Vienna sees an opportunity for improvement for package deliverers through the implementation of the EU directive on platform work.

According to the AK Vienna, the EU directive is to be implemented on December 2, 2026. It creates a framework for the first time to address central issues such as algorithmic management, said Adriana Mandl, an expert in the social policy department of the AK Vienna. "These technologies collect data on work behavior, performance, and communication to make decisions that are normally made by humans." In addition, employees have hardly any direct contacts.

Bianca Schrittwieser, head of the labor law department of the AK Vienna, identifies "structural problems" in the small transport industry. Package deliverers are usually employed by subcontractors and not by the big companies. According to Schrittwieser, sometimes even chains of subcontractors arise. When claims are open, the companies then go bankrupt, and the insolvency compensation fund, i.e., the general public, settles them.

Human Supervision and Control

Algorithmic management needs "human supervision and control," demanded Mandl. Austria now has the chance to take on a pioneering role. The directive applies to both digital platforms and intermediaries, i.e., subcontractors. It also covers the cleaning industry, "click workers who complete small online tasks for very low pay," and other services.

The consulting practice shows how difficult the working conditions in the industry are, said Schrittwieser. "The pressure is immense. And it is increasing." In addition, many deliverers are refugees or immigrants, and there are language barriers. This makes it particularly difficult for them to assert their rights, to know about their rights, or to solidarize. Those who then find their way to the AK are only the "tip of the iceberg." By November 30, 2025, there had already been 550 personal consultations on the small transport industry according to the AK Vienna. According to figures from ÖNACE (Austrian national classification of economic activities), 1,700 people currently work in Vienna in the economic class "other postal, courier, and express services."

Schrittwieser called for a primary contractor liability and a "Duplum." In this case, double the amount is due if outstanding claims are not paid. More controls and an increase in personnel at the labor inspectorate or the financial police directorate are needed. The labor law expert also pointed to the Wage and Social Dumping Prevention Act. Wage fraud has become "far too cheap" for employers. The AK Vienna therefore calls for the reintroduction of the principle of accumulation.

(APA/Red)

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