In a bold stand against exploitation, several Zimbabwean truck drivers employed by Hegelmann, a major European haulier, refused to continue work in January 2024, exposing severe labor abuses. Recruited with promises of fair wages, they faced unpaid salaries, inadequate living conditions, and demands to repay thousands of euros in alleged “costs.” Trade unions have stepped in to provide support—offering food, legal assistance, and safe accommodation—while flagging violations to authorities.

On May 20, 2024, a major inspection occurred at the Noorderlaan car park near the Port of Antwerp. Organized by the Belgian police and the Social Intelligence and Investigation Service (SIOD), the operation saw participation from the European Transport Worker’s Federation (ETF), BTB-ABVV, CSC Transcom, ACV Openbare Diensten, and the RTDD Foundation. With the support of the European Labour Authority (ELA), authorities from Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania were also present in a collaborative effort to tackle social fraud and enforce compliance in road transport.

In the joint letter the ETF and IRU have shared with Commissioner Adina Vălean and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, we called for the development of a remuneration calculator. This tool will be crucial for the enforcement of posting rules, providing clear and accessible information on remuneration standards across different countries. The calculator is expected to be a key resource in helping drivers, operators, and authorities; ensuring fair pay for road transport workers.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) organized a rally in protest against new rules on driving and rest times of bus and coach drivers. In front of the EU Commission, in Brussels, various MEPs and ETF affiliates from 6 countries spoke about the dangers of rules that will push driver fatigue further. 

A 2023 ETF survey reached out to over 1300 bus and coach drivers across Europe and found that 80% of drivers would consider leaving the industry if the European Commission moved forward with its proposal to revise driving and rest time rules in coach tourism services.