The sector's fragmented, mobile and cross-border nature is increasingly undermining freedom of association and collective bargaining. The widespread misclassification and informalisation of drivers create a structural barrier that legally prevents (or greatly complicates) workers from joining unions or engaging in collective negotiations. This can be exacerbated by the geographical isolation of the work, as well as by the use of digital platforms that further isolate drivers and make it difficult for them to join a trade union. Migrant or third-country workers also face additional legal barriers, or fear that union activity could jeopardise their work permits and residency status.
A further risk factor in the sector is the absence of effective worker representation and social dialogue. Where workers are not organised or unions are excluded, companies may lack reliable information about conditions on the ground and struggle to ensure effective, sustained remediation. As collective bargaining is the only proven way to ensure that transport rates are high enough to cover legal wages and safety costs, it undermines the effective enforcement of human rights across the supply chain.