Logistics sector faces labor violations, poor driver conditions, and severe driver shortages across Europe.
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Representatives from LVPS state that the current situation is only the tip of the iceberg, as many violations go unnoticed due to lack of knowledge, language barriers, or fear. They observe systematic and massive violations in the logistics sector, which employs 92,000 people, including issues with fake or improperly prepared contracts, failing to record actual working hours, and using incomprehensible language with foreign workers. Common violations also include reducing daily allowances based on criteria like driving in off-road areas, good weather, using autopilot, or being assigned a new truck. Despite the EU’s Mobility Package aiming to improve driver conditions through digital tachographs and mandatory rest periods, LVPS frequently encounters violations regarding rest, from inadequate sleeping conditions to insufficient vacation time.
The director of LINAVA, Zenonas Buivydas, notes that the Mobility Package’s requirement for drivers to return to their home country every four weeks hinders continuous work in Europe and creates competition issues, as non-compliance incurs heavy fines. He mentions an upcoming EU Court of Justice ruling that may ease these restrictions, allowing longer periods of work in Europe and setting a maximum eight-week return period for international transport vehicles.
LVPS highlights that ensuring quality rest is a major violation, as the Mobility Package requires employers to provide drivers with proper rest areas, which is difficult given the nature of cargo transport where drivers cannot leave their loads unattended.
The logistics sector faces a critical shortage of drivers, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which caused many Ukrainian drivers to return home. In Poland, 40% of truck drivers were lost due to the war, and in the Czech Republic, there is a shortage of 15,000 to 20,000 drivers, leading companies to cancel orders. Furthermore, the aging workforce and a lack of interest from younger generations due to witnessing poor human rights treatment in the sector contribute to the shortage.
While the EU is attempting to address the driver shortage by hiring workers from Central Asian countries, this process is complicated by unclear documentation procedures, potential corruption, and lengthy processes that disrupt drivers’ work.
