Road Transport

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In Summary

Road transport in the EU employs millions of professional bus, coach and freight drivers.

However, the sector struggles with a shortage of labour. Unfriendly work schedules, inadequate rest conditions, weekends away from home and poor levels of pay fail to meet the expectations of today’s job seekers. For all these reasons, young people and women think twice before choosing to work in the sector.

There is a vast legal frame that regulates the road transport activities, but controls and enforcement lag behind. We expect that the Mobility Package – a massive revision of EU rules in road transport – will contribute to improving working conditions for professional drivers across Europe.

The ETF Road Transport Sector is committed to building a fair future for the road transport industry by campaigning for better enforcement, fairer working conditions and a more sustainable and dynamic sector.

 

 

Latest news about road transport

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Statement June 3, 2026

Road Transport’s simplification package must not weaken workers’ rights

ETF’s message to the Commission is clear: simplification must not weaken workers’ rights, social protections or working conditions. Instead, it should deliver smarter tools that better protect workers, support labour inspectorates and strengthen the enforcement of existing road transport rules.

News May 29, 2026

ETF, ITF and IRU call for stronger safety rules to protect bus drivers in frontal collisions

In a joint letter addressed to the government representatives in the UNECE Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP), ETF, ITF and IRU highlight that bus drivers remain at serious risk in frontal crashes. The letter urges the government representatives to work on this issue, including the creation of a dedicated working group as proposed by the Norwegian government.