Journey of a Truck Driver Recruited from 6,000 km Beyond the EU

Driver Protests Across the EU in 2024

The year 2024 saw numerous driver protests throughout the European Union. Significant cases included the Agmaz incident, a Hoptrans driver’s individual strike, and Hegelmann’s exploitation conviction. Additionally, there were confiscations at the Dutch company Trucks Banden Koning. The “Trucktuttonero” tour, organized by the Italian UGL union and the Willy Association, aimed to highlight the challenging working conditions faced by industrial vehicle drivers. To gain a deeper understanding of these issues, we interviewed a driver now working on European roads, who was recruited from outside the EU.

Anonymity for Protection

To protect his identity and prevent any potential repercussions, we assured anonymity for our interviewee. Therefore, we will not reveal his exact country of origin or the identity of his employer. The interview took place on the morning of January 4, 2025, while the driver was parked at a rest area in Central Europe, waiting for the end of the weekend traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles.

Rest Area Reflections

Currently, he is at a rest area until Tuesday morning when driving restrictions are lifted, marking a lengthy weekend for him. With other drivers around, he remains disconnected, having just woken up after arriving the previous night. His time is largely spent waiting to resume driving.

Life on the Road

Since starting his driving career in June 2024, he has lived in his truck. He shares that the rest area has good amenities, including showers, but the lifestyle is tough, and he misses home. His family, notably his wife and son, wait for him there.

Work Patterns and Challenges

Regarding time off, he mentions that he rests in the gaps between deliveries or during traffic bans, like the current situation. There’s no fixed resting place; stops are unplanned and based on necessity. This is a stark contrast to his previous job where he could return home more frequently.

Recruitment and Promises

He arrived in Europe through an agency after being referred by a friend. Initially communicating via WhatsApp, he was assured of good working conditions without any fees for the agency, aside from his visa and flight costs. Despite the promise of a structured training period, he found himself and other new drivers thrown into the deep end without proper guidance or the salary initially promised.

Ongoing Issues with Payment

Despite expectations of gradually increasing wages, he states that he earns about €65 per driving day, resulting in monthly earnings around €1,200. Requests for clarification regarding pay have been met with avoidance from management. A visit to the office yielded no resolution, leaving him with approximately €800 still unpaid, and doubts he will ever receive it.

Marco Martinelli