MEPs urge Commission to clarify whether minimum wage may apply to foreign lorry drivers

The question of whether Germany’s minimum pay rules should apply to foreign lorry drivers using its roads divided MEPs evenly in a debate with transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc on Wednesday (25 February) evening. The European Commission is still assessing the implications of these rules, which the Germany partially suspended (for transit drivers) early this year, but they must in any event comply with EU law, she said.

Many speakers stressed the need to prevent social dumping and ensure fair competition among hauliers. Some suggested introducing an EU-wide minimum wage and urged the Commission to table proposals to protect drivers’ social rights and working conditions, including blacklisting companies which break rules.

Others countered that that imposing national minimum wage rules for transit drivers would obstruct the free movement of goods, contrary to EU single market and subsidiarity principles, by adding to the costs and administrative burdens on haulage firms from other EU member states.

Bulc stressed that any such national measures must comply with EU law. The Commission is still assessing German measures and their impact, and hence is not yet able to give a clear reply to the parliamentary question, she explained.

The Commission will also address the issue of social standards and working conditions in the transport sector in its next legislative "road package", due in 2016, she added.

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