German SPD pushes for strict 20kg limit on all packages

The SPD faction in the Thuringian state parliament is advocating for a new federal law to establish a mandatory 20-kilogram weight limit for all packages, with no exceptions. This initiative, to be pursued through a Bundesrat (Federal Council) proposal, aims to enhance the health and safety of parcel delivery workers.

Moritz Kalthoff, the SPD faction's spokesperson for labor and economic policy, emphasized the need for reliable rules to protect workers who handle heavy packages daily. Kalthoff, who previously worked as a parcel deliverer for several years, highlighted that beyond a fixed weight limit, the SPD also demands mandatory risk assessments, increased oversight by labor protection authorities, and greater accountability for major shipping companies.

The SPD's push comes after a specialized event in the Thuringian state parliament where employees, works councils, unions, occupational physicians, businesses, and politicians discussed working conditions in the parcel industry. The faction points to the continuous growth of e-commerce, noting that billions of packages were transported in Germany in 2024.

While acknowledging the strains on employees, the SPD believes the current Post Law, by permitting the use of "suitable technical aids," creates a loophole that effectively nullifies the intended 20-kilogram threshold in practice. The faction insists on a strict, exception-free limit to ensure the well-being of delivery personnel.

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suitable technical aids