Chamber sets limits to social dumping in the transport sector | Economy

In 2021, the federal inspection services found infringements in more than a third of the checks in freight transport. Drivers seconded from other European Member States are often severely underpaid, have to work too many hours a week and are employed in working conditions that are not healthy, safe or hygienic. They also often fall victim to companies that deliberately set up illegal mailbox constructions abroad in order to complicate checks by the inspection services.

This is also detrimental to Belgian companies, which are priced out of the market due to disloyal competition and false pricing, Dermagne believes.

New “sector-specific regulations for short-term postings in road transport” should address this. They close loopholes in existing EU regulations and stem from a European directive.

The text provides, among other things, that clients can be held responsible for infringements in the future. Shippers, freight forwarders, contractors and subcontractors who knew – or should have known – that there were irregularities in the game now also risk sanctions.

The introduction of a uniform multilingual secondment declaration via a standard form should also ensure inspections with less hindrance and administrative burden for the transport companies.

In addition, there will be more controls, which are coordinated by two or more Member States. Belgium will impose the heaviest possible sanction for infringements. That amounts to a prison sentence of six months to three years and/or a criminal fine of 600 to 6,000 euros, or only an administrative fine of 300 to 3,000 euros.