On 18 September 2018, the project partners of the SLT Joint Trade Union office met in Targu Mures to take stock of the situation one year after the office opened. The office was opened in October last year as a joint project of 3F, ACV Transcom, BTB, ST Fackförbundet and the ETF to support Romanian drivers working for most of their time in Western Europe.
Nina Frandes, the SLT President, explained the many achievements and challenges that the union has faced in the last year. As an example, SLT won a court case on behalf of several drivers in the first instance which entitled the drivers to €10 000 compensation but the appeal court overturned the decision and lowered the amount to €500 ordering at the same time the union to bear the €3000 worth of legal fees which had a significant impact on its functioning.
SLT also significantly contributed to the campaign around the EU Mobility Package. Together with the Polish ETF affiliates, the Romanian colleagues were able to break the myth that this package only serves the interests of Western Europe. Several meetings took place with the MEPs, the European Commission and other institutions.
The 2nd day of the visit will be devoted to an audit of the office ensuring full transparency vis-à-vis the project partners as well as organisational support to the Romanian colleagues. Later this year, the project partners will meet again for a formal meeting and celebration of the first year of functioning of the joint office.