Bicycle couriers no longer supplemental workers: companies barred from using tax loophole

Bicycle couriers in Belgium will no longer be able to operate under the fiscally advantageous 'P2P-statuut,' a tax status designed for supplemental income earners. This change, welcomed by the Vooruit party and socialist unions, signifies that meal delivery is now officially considered genuine work, not a casual favor.

Previously, over 85 percent of bicycle couriers worked under the P2P-statuut. This regulation exempts individuals earning up to 7,890 euros annually from social security contributions for self-employed workers, with limited taxes applied. A tax ruling had allowed companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo to utilize this status for their bicycle couriers. However, Finance Minister Jan Jambon confirmed that these rulings will not be extended, and no new applications have been submitted.

Anja Vanrobaeys, a Member of Parliament for Vooruit, expressed relief, stating, "No one in this country should be exploited, including bicycle couriers. This is an important step forward for the protection of our bicycle couriers." She highlighted concerns about underage or undocumented couriers working underpaid and unprotected, and multinational companies profiting at the couriers' expense.

Frank Moreels, chairman of the BTB-ABVV union, also expressed satisfaction. "This decision confirms what BTB-ABVV has been denouncing for years: meal delivery is not a friendly service, but real work," he said. "Anyone who delivers meals daily under time pressure creates economic value for large platform companies and is entitled to the same protection as any other employee."

While acknowledging the ruling as a significant advancement, Vanrobaeys vowed to continue advocating for full social protection for meal couriers, ensuring they receive the same benefits as all other employees.