EU coach drivers need their rest, says union official

A possible EU-wide move to cut coach drivers’ rest periods has been condemned as “astonishing” by a union representative.

The European transport workers’ federation (ETF) said any move to reduce rest periods could endanger safety of the travelling public.

Its criticism follows recent endorsement by parliament’s transport committee to possible changes in minimum weekly rest periods for drivers.

The ETF fears any such change could lead to the reintroduction of the 12-day derogation by which, in the past, employers were entitled to ask coach drivers to work for 12 days in a row.

At present, a break must be taken at the end of six consecutive working days at the very least.

Beatrice Hertogs, political secretary for road transport for the ETF, said the 12-day rule looked likely to be introduced.

She said transport unions had greeted the possible change with astonishment, particularly at a time when drivers’ representatives are currently discussing the implications of any changes to their working hours.

“We believe that any such decision by the EU institutions is misplaced when social partners are trying to reach an agreement on this,” she said.

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