Deliveroo take-away service is in talks with the CNV and Riders Union trade associations about whether or not all its cyclists should be self-employed.

The Parool reports on Tuesday that talks have begun after weeks of objections from delivery cyclists after the firm announced they must all be ‘ZZP-ers’.

The CNV reportedly claims that Deliveroo is ‘evading its responsibilities and wants to push all delivery workers into a ZZP working relationship.’ It also suggests the firm is operating as a courier service while registered as a catering company, with implications for employee rights.

Deliveroo apparently argues that the self-employed structure best suits the flexibility its cyclists want.

Court threat

Earlier this month, the CNV had threatened to go to the courts over employee rights, after researching the opinions of its members.

In France, Deliveroo riders protested over changes to their pay at the end of August while in Britain – home of the company – a group of Deliveroo couriers has reportedly looked into legal action for better employment conditions.

In January, a British judge ruled a cycle courier for the CitySprint firm had the right to paid holiday, while Uber is appealing a similar judgement giving its ‘gig economy’ drivers employee rights.

Deliveroo has been contacted by DutchNews.nl for comment.