The ETF co-signed a letter with the IRU voicing once again concerns about the lack of complete information on remuneration levels in the EU Member States. This prevents drivers from checking whether they have been paid correctly for the full range of their activities and prevents trade unions from supporting drivers’ pay claims.
Livia Spera, ETF General Secretary, said: “Low pay – far below wage levels drivers are legally entitled to – is one of the causes for labour shortage in the road sector. Clear information on remuneration, per member state, is certainly key to reversing this trend. It will also make enforcement more effective, and will give a stronger purpose to documenting posting on the road, including the much-debated posting declaration. Enforcement authorities will be able to finally check that what employers declare happens in practice.”
This joint statement calls for EC Executive Vice-President Manzatu to act vis-à-vis the member states and demand clarity for drivers and sectoral social partners. Following exposure of widespread exploitation practices in EU road haulage, DG EMPL has lately been very supportive to ETF and IRU, in their joint effort to improve compliance with pay and working conditions in the sector. The ETF is convinced this active support will continue in both practical and political ways.
Read the full letter here.