Dozens of Polish truck drivers have been on strike for days on the German A5 near Weiterstadt because they no longer receive money. The responsible forwarding company now wanted to put an end to this – and sent a “thug squad” including an armored car. The police had to intervene en masse and arrest several people, but the strike continues.
After two months without being paid, about 50 truck drivers refused to continue driving – accusing their employers of systematically exploiting the drivers. On Good Friday, the situation finally escalated.
The Polish company owner arrived in person at the Gräfenhausen (Darmstadt-Dieburg) gas station around 11 a.m.; but not to peacefully defuse the situation. He had several people with him who looked more like a paramilitary unit than a transport company delegation.
Men wanted to “steal” vehicles.
The men not only wore bulletproof vests, but also drove tank-like vehicles. Apparently their job was to at least intimidate the strikers and, if necessary, take over the stalled trucks by force. The Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) immediately expressed its solidarity with those affected: board member Stefan Körzell explained via Twitter that the “thugs” had tried to “steal” the vehicles.
16 people arrested
To prevent a final escalation of the situation, the police drove up with a large contingent. According to the emergency services, the conflict could finally calm down under the threat of pepper spray and batons. A total of 16 people were provisionally arrested. Those involved in the crime are now being investigated for, among other things, serious disturbance of public order, threats, coercion, attempted dangerous bodily harm and disturbance of a meeting.
The DGB describes that the replacement drivers, who were also brought by the company manager, were taken from their own trucks in the middle of the night at other rest areas and were finally taken to Gräfenhausen to take over the vehicles that were stuck there.
Truckers are not intimidated
In any case, the truck drivers were not intimidated by the action – they want to continue to protest for humane working conditions. In addition to the lack of salary, they also complain about the enormous burden. Sometimes they had to do three jobs at once, repairs were deducted from their wages, the money they get for food is not enough at all.
“Sad reality in freight transport”
Trade union members and clubs in the area have now donated food and drink and Verdi flags are hanging from the tarpaulins of trucks as a sign of solidarity. “Unfortunately, what we are experiencing here is a bit of a sad reality in European freight transport,” said DGB Hessian chairman Michael Rudolph.
Under the current law, many employers apply to drivers the wages of the country they are driving in, but would “send the drivers across Europe for significantly less money”. These people would not only work under precarious conditions, but also live.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
