Road Hauliers Losing Competitiveness, Retaining Drivers Becomes Harder

Bratislava, 8 December (TASR) - Slovak road hauliers continue to struggle with high taxes and levies on labour, as the cost poses a significant burden on employers while drivers receive a lower net pay compared to other countries, TASR has learnt from CESMAD Slovakia road hauliers association. CESMAD Slovakia has long been promoting specific measures aimed at improving the financial conditions for drivers. "We have succeeded in negotiating an agreement on adjustments to travel allowances, which is now nearing finalisation, and we believe it will enter into force soon," said CESMAD Slovakia spokesperson Roman Kment. Compared to the Czech Republic, Slovak hauliers face higher prices for fuel. As the largest organisation of employers in Slovak road transport, CESMAD Slovakia is striving to stabilise the business environment for hauliers and prevent further cost increases, especially in a period when the sector is still struggling with previous price pressures, legislative changes, and the impacts of austerity measures under the consolidation package. This year's increase in toll rates has also contributed to higher freight transport prices, while Kment said the "customers find it very difficult to accept price increases for this reason". He added that "competition in the market is extremely high" and that Slovak hauliers face pressure mainly from Poland and Lithuania which provide a more favourable business environment, including subsidies for fleet renewal. "Such measures are completely lacking in Slovakia, which puts us at a disadvantage and reduces our competitiveness," added Kment. According to him, road freight transport has been declining for six consecutive quarters, clearly indicating a slowdown in industry and the economy both in Slovakia and in the European Union. jrg