Bpost strike blockades ended on 4 May 2026, with all distribution centres open again, according to Vrt, but parcels handled by bpost may still face a backlog while it catches up. Bpost’s parent company said it would take 10 to 14 days to catch up.
At a glance
- What changes
- Blockades lifted and all distribution centres reopened
- From
- 4 May 2026
- Backlog
- 10 to 14 days expected to catch up
- Worst affected
- Brussels and Wallonia
On this page
All bpost distribution centres reopen
Vrt reported on 4 May 2026 that there were no blockades at bpost for the first time since the strike began in late March. All distribution centres were open again, including the three in Brussels.
Bpost still expects a backlog
The head of bpost’s parent company said catching up would take 10 to 14 days. According to Vrt, the biggest problems were in Brussels and Wallonia. If your parcel will pass through bpost, allow for the reported backlog when planning.
If you’re arranging a shipment from Ireland, compare the available prices on the Belgium route page.
The dispute concerns later working hours
The strike was over bpost’s plans to adjust working hours to the parcel market. According to Vrt, bpost is asking postal workers to begin their working day two hours later, moving from around 7am to 9am so it can focus more on parcels.
Bnode estimates €15 million in direct costs
Bnode estimated the direct cost of the strikes at around €15 million so far. Its estimate covers lost mail and parcel volumes, penalties for service quality problems and the extra cost of processing the backlog.
Questions
Have the bpost strike blockades ended?
Vrt reported that all blockades had ended on 4 May 2026. All bpost distribution centres were open again, including the three in Brussels.
How long will bpost take to catch up?
The head of bpost’s parent company expected it to take 10 to 14 days to catch up. The biggest problems were in Brussels and Wallonia.
Why were bpost workers on strike?
The dispute concerned plans to change working hours to suit the parcel market. Bpost is asking postal workers to start two hours later, moving from around 7am to 9am.
Sources
- VRT NWS: No more blockades at Bpost for the first time since strike’s start, read 4 May 2026
- VRT NWS: Bpost management believes in agreement with the unions this month, read 4 May 2026
- Bnode (primary source): Bnode results in line with guidance in the first quarter, read 4 May 2026
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PostCompare news desk
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