EU switch includes owner-drivers' time
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w by Karen Miles
Owner-drivers are more likely to find themselves covered by the 48-hour week European law after a significant shift in political allegiances among European Union states.
In the latest twist of events surrounding the European Commission's hopes of introducing a Working Time Directive to the road haulage sector, the Austrian and Irish governments have made it clear that they want self-employed drivers to be included in the proposed legislation.
There are now eight EU member states in favour of inclusion, with six against. The latest change in the balance of power is bound to make it harder to exclude owner-drivers from the 48-hour working week limit, which is expected to take effect in 2002.
Transport ministers from EU member states plan to discuss this issue in December.
Moves to include self employed drivers would disappoint the Freight Transport Association, which says it is impractical to expect the rules to be enforced properly.
The Road Haulage Association welcomes the change, despite its difficulties. It can't really work with them not being included," says head of employment Ruth Pott. "But when an owner-driver finishes their work and has to carry on with administration they aren't going to say 'Oh goodness, I've just worked 73 hours and I'd better go and report myself.