The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) held a conference on the posting of workers and third-country nationals in road freight transport at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. The event brought together key stakeholders, including trade unions, labour and road inspectors, representatives of ELA, the EU Commission, and employer organisations, to address critical issues in road transport.
Five Years After the Mobility Package
The conference marked five years since the adoption of the Mobility Package, a comprehensive set of EU rules designed to ensure fair competition among transport operators and improve working conditions for professional drivers. Despite these regulations, participants agreed that the road transport sector continues to face significant challenges. Many long-distance drivers have left the profession due to harsh working conditions, leading to a surge in the recruitment of third-country nationals, who often face exploitation and poor working conditions.
Posting of Workers
The morning session focused on the practical application of posting rules. Michael Wahl from Fair Mobility, Germany, shared hands-on experiences, stating that drivers are often made to sign contracts and documents they do not understand, with no option to refuse. According to Wahl, sleeping in cabins is widespread, with employers using letters of intent in which drivers declare their willingness to sleep in truck cabins. Wahl mentioned that many third-country drivers say it is better to work in Saudi Arabia or their home country.
Frederic De Wispelaere from KU Leuven provided an academic perspective, sharing essential statistics on the posting of workers throughout Europe. He highlighted the need for enhanced enforcement of the Mobility Package, especially concerning letter-box companies.
Annelie Buntenbach from the Supporting Network of Fair Mobility emphasised the need for an EU budget line to create transnational structures for trade unions to advise mobile and migrant workers. According to Buntenbach, cross-sector mobility poses a challenge for enforcement, and trade unions can and should be part of the solution. Trade unions can flag cases and offer their expertise to workers regarding their rights. To offer this expertise sustainably, Buntenbach concluded that the EU must provide sustainable financing.
Third-Country Drivers
The afternoon session was dedicated to the plight of third-country drivers. Edwin Atema from the Road Transport Due Diligence Foundation presented compelling testimonies and case studies, highlighting the severe exploitation of these workers.
Truck drivers from Central Asia shared their experiences, revealing they were victims of human trafficking, had their pay withheld, and were denied their rights to healthcare and accommodation. Showing great courage to speak publicly about their situation, the drivers received a standing ovation from the audience. According to Atema, Grafenhausen (a strike of third-country nationals in 2023) is not an isolated case; this is the reality of the sector and a widespread business model.
Torsten Laksafoss Holbek, CEO of the Nordic Logistics Association, presented key ingredients for fair competition in the sector based on his organisation’s experience. His main message was that enforcement of the Mobility Package is crucial to ensure fair transport in Europe. Moreover, he noted that 62% of European road freight companies face severe or very severe difficulties filling truck driver positions. Holbek also emphasised his organisation’s commitment to fair transport practices and its participation in campaigns to attract younger drivers to the market.
Representatives from the European Commission shared their views on the current regulatory landscape.
Call for Action
ETF Road Section’s Vice-chair Tom Peeters and Head of Land Department Cristina Tilling concluded the conference by strongly calling for better enforcement of the Mobility Package. They stressed that fair working conditions and fair competition are intrinsically linked and essential for the sustainability of the road transport sector.
They emphasised the urgent need for continued dialogue and action, stating that the conversation with institutions must continue. The ETF will take the conference’s conclusions to high-level meetings with DG MOVE and DG EMPL, noting that there is no parking area free of third-country nationals being exploited. Therefore, the ETF will invite the European Commission to visit parking areas to witness the real conditions of truck drivers in Europe.
They highlighted the necessity of providing tools and means for enforcement, stating that implementing the rules of the Mobility Package is essential for inspection authorities. Trade unions need tools and means to develop structures to accommodate the situation of migrant workers in the transport industry.
