The shortage was felt since before the pandemic but worsened with the post-pandemic economic rebound, especially in the United Kingdom where, combined with the effects of Brexit, caused a fuel supply crisis.
But all countries are affected: Poland has a deficit of more than 120,000 truckers, Germany of about 60,000 and Spain of 15,000, according to a study by the British consultancy Transport Intelligence (TI).
“The reasons are multiple,” Violeta Keckarovska, who produced the TI study, told AFP. “The driver population has aged, young people are not attracted to the trade, working conditions are not good, wages are low“he explained.
Although there are differences between countries, on average a trucker with an international route earns about 2,300 euros per month.
In certain countries, the end of compulsory military service deprived companies in the sector of trained drivers.
At the large Solutrans logistics hall, which opened near Lyon on Tuesday, various training institutes are trying to attract candidates by having them drive a large truck in a simulator.
“It is a profession with enormous responsibilities” that has evolved a lot in recent years, said Régis Garcia, from the Aftral training center.
“It is not necessarily simpler, but much less mechanical and physical, and with more electronic assistance,” and drivers travel shorter distances than before, “he added.
Technological innovation may also change the situation: the Dyn’Acces company succeeded in Solutrans with a telescopic platform that allows a driver in a wheelchair to sit behind the wheel of a large truck.
On France companies have a shortage of between 40,000 and 50,000 drivers, twice more than in 2017, lamented the National Federation of Road Transport, which has multiplied its communication efforts.
“We tell companies that a reflection should be made on their brand, on well-being at work, that bonuses are required, mentoring. Knowing how to recruit is also knowing how to take care of your wages“, indicó Marina Verbaere-Grobel, from Pole Emploi.
The search includes young people, salaried workers in reconversion and the unemployed. Women, who make up a tiny part of drivers, are also “highly sought after.”
Training costs between 4,500 and 7,000 euros ($ 5,400 to $ 8,400), sometimes paid for by the employer or by public aid. The apprenticeship has developed a lot, and the large truck license can be accessed from the age of 21.
Certain young people are attracted and seek the license. “You don’t have your boss by your side and I prefer to walk outside than in the city center,” said Pierre Nguembou, 29, a former Toulouse delivery man.
A part of the solution is currently decided between the carriers and the unions.
In their negotiations, the representatives of the employees demand measures to improve the health and well-being of truckers and a 10% revaluation of wages, which start with the minimum wage.
Employers’ organizations were in favor of an increase from 3.5% to 4.5%, according to the CFTC union. The CGT and CGT-FO unions withdrew from the negotiating table and could plan mobilizations before Christmas.
“The pyramid of ages is very, very strong in transport. We are going to have difficulties, as has been seen with Brexit,” warned Thierry Douine, from the CFTC.
“We ask for a balance between professional and private life. Nobody wants to work every weekend, every night, every vacation. We want rotations so that people have quality of life at work,” Douine told AFP.
Source From: Ambito
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