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When the Storting's Labor and Social Affairs Committee held a budget hearing on Monday, October 27, YTF about a clear reinforcement of supervision and control in the van and freight industry.
– “Free shipping” does not exist. Someone always pays the price, and today it is often the driver himself, Wærstad said in his post.
From June 1 this year, it became illegal to pay freight drivers below the general minimum wage. YTF Fears that unscrupulous actors will be allowed to continue as before.
Too few controls
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority carried out 910 inspections in transport and storage last year. In comparison, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration carried out almost 97,000 inspections of heavy transport.
– The regulations are in place. The problem is that many people get away with it. Then even the serious ones are put under pressure, says Wærstad.
YTF warns that weak efforts against workplace crime result in unfair competition , lower wages and more dangerous working conditions.
Calls for more interagency cooperation
YTF proposes a permanent operational collaboration between the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, so that inspectors can build up experience with the industry's regulations over time.
– Call it the transport police or something else, but no matter what, someone has to go out and clean up, says Wærstad.
Positive about increased recruitment – but warns
The budget contains more support for labor market measures, which could include bus driver training through NAV. This means YTF is good.
But the union reminds us that the bus driver profession has Norway's highest rate of disability .
– If more people come in, but too many drop out again, we haven't solved the problem. It must become easier to work reduced hours when health requires it, says Wærstad.
YTF's demands to the Storting
- Increased efforts against social dumping
- More resources for control and supervision
- Stronger cooperation between agencies
- Better measures to keep drivers on the job longer
YTF believes that the Storting must take clear responsibility in budget processing.
– We have taken an important step with the minimum wage. Now we must ensure that the law is actually followed, concludes Wærstad.
