Deal is close on truckers’ work hours

Date: 10/09/1998

By Simon Coss

EMPLOYERS and trade unions representing workers in the road transport industry are et to agree next week that truck drivers across the Union should not work more than 60 hours a week.

Members of the Federation of Transport Workers in the European Union (FST) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU), which represents employers, are expected to sign a draft agreement next Friday (18 September) stipulating that drivers should not work more than an average of 48 hours a week, although the limit could be raised to 60 hours in exceptional circumstances.

It is still not certain that a deal will be clinched at next week's meeting, but the mood in both camps suggests a positive outcome is likely.

“We have the possible elements of an agreement and it could be acceptable to both sides,” said IRU spokesman Wim Smolders. “If we don't get this, then I don't see how we could get anything.”

This sentiment was echoed by trade union representatives. “The draft agreement we have set is not the best, but it is acceptable,” said the FST's Romolo Vivarelli.

If no deal is reached, the European Commission will impose one on the two sides.