Crisis in the delivery sector: Independent couriers to strike for three days

The delivery sector, which gained significant momentum during the pandemic, is now in the spotlight due to the backlash from independent couriers. Arguing that the new wage tariffs announced at the beginning of the year have not increased their actual income, the couriers have announced that they will stage a three-day work stoppage.

According to information reported by NTV, increases were made to per-package payments, mileage fees, and weekly bonuses as of the beginning of 2026. However, independent couriers claim that these increases are presented as higher than they are through mathematical calculations, and that in practice, their 2025 earnings levels have not been maintained.

PROMISE OF 120 THOUSAND LIRA PER MONTH

Some companies have shared with the public that a courier delivering 200 packages a week could earn an average of 30 thousand lira, which corresponds to a gross monthly income of 120 thousand lira. Additionally, they promise fee increases of over 60 percent for deliveries exceeding 2 kilometers and weekly bonus payments for those who exceed certain delivery numbers.

COURIERS HIGHLIGHT THE REALITY ON THE GROUND

Couriers working in the field state that these announced figures do not reflect the reality. Emphasizing that independent couriers do not have fixed working hours and that their income depends entirely on active working time and the number of deliveries, the couriers state that their net earnings have decreased significantly due to rising costs.

Independent couriers cover their own motorcycle and equipment expenses, insurance, fuel, maintenance costs, as well as BAĞ-KUR premiums, accounting fees, and tax obligations from their own budgets. When these expenses are deducted, the view is that the announced income statements are unrealistic.

For these reasons, the couriers announced that they would stop working and not deliver packages on January 18-19-20. It was stated that the action does not cover all couriers, and those who do not participate will continue to provide service in line with their own work schedules.

News Source: 12punto