PostNL to Slash Up to 3,000 Mail Carrier Jobs Amid Delivery Changes!
PostNL, the Netherlands’ national postal service, is set to reduce its workforce by 2,000 to 3,000 mail carriers as it prepares to extend mail delivery times starting in July. The downsizing was confirmed by FNV trade union board member Pieter Beuzenberg and is expected to be managed largely through natural attrition, avoiding replacements for staff who leave or scaling back temporary hires.
The company, which currently employs around 14,000 mail carriers, faces significant annual turnover, with over one-third of employees switching jobs each year. Despite declining mail volumes, PostNL reported a €2 million profit in its mail division for 2025, demonstrating the business is still financially viable even amid staffing reductions.
PostNL also plans to close several mail depots, meaning some employees will have to travel longer distances to reach work. FNV warns that this could disproportionately affect part-time carriers, many of whom rely on flexible schedules due to physical limitations, caregiving responsibilities, or other jobs.
The FNV union has strongly criticized PostNL’s proposed social plan for affected employees. Key objections include insufficient severance pay and a lack of funding for retraining or guidance toward new employment, leaving many workers uncertain about their future.
With these changes, PostNL aims to adjust to shrinking mail volumes and operational costs. However, the proposed job cuts and depot closures are likely to spark significant tension between the postal service and its workforce in the coming months.