The Global Vision for Safe Rates, Safe Roads, and Sustainable Road Transport

Background paper - Around the world road transport workers face severe work pressures due to low-cost tendering practices, unreasonable scheduling, and low rates of pay. These pressures originate with the companies at the top of global supply chains (client companies or ‘economic employers’) and a business model based an over-reliance on subcontracting and a level of competition that goes beyond unfair to be literally destructive. The result is that drivers are forced to work excessively long hours, drive while fatigued, speed, overload their vehicles, and skimp on maintenance to make ends meet. This makes the roads dangerous for everyone.