15.01.2026 15:42
The delivery workers announced that they decided to not work and not deliver packages for three days on January 18-19-20, claiming that the wage increases announced after the New Year did not reflect in their earnings on the field.
During the pandemic period, the package delivery sector gained significant momentum, and this time it is in the spotlight due to the reactions of the self-employed couriers. Couriers, who argue that the new fee schedules announced at the beginning of the year did not increase their actual incomes, announced that they would hold a three-day strike.
According to information reported by NTV, starting from the beginning of 2026, there will be an increase in payments per package, kilometer fees, and weekly bonuses. However, self-employed couriers claim that these increases are shown to be higher than they actually are through mathematical calculations, and in practice, the income levels of 2025 could not be maintained.
MONTHLY PROMISE OF 120 THOUSAND LIRA
Some companies share 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, for deliveries exceeding 2 kilometers, a fee increase of over 60% and weekly bonus payments for exceeding certain delivery numbers are promised.
COURIERS DRAW ATTENTION TO THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND
Couriers working in the field state that these announced figures do not reflect the reality. They emphasize that self-employed couriers do not have fixed working hours, and their incomes are entirely dependent on active working time and the number of deliveries, expressing that their net earnings have significantly decreased due to rising costs.
Self-employed couriers cover their expenses for motorcycle and equipment costs, insurance, fuel, maintenance expenses, as well as BAĞ-KUR premiums, accounting fees, and tax obligations from their own budgets. When these expenses are deducted, the view that the announced income tables are not realistic comes to the forefront.
For these reasons, couriers announced that they would not deliver packages on January 18-19-20 by shutting down their operations. It was stated that the action does not cover all couriers, and those who do not participate will continue to provide services according to their own work plans.