Drivers are heroes: showing our recognition

IRU and its Swiss member ASTAG were on the ground today at a truck parking near Geneva, spending a few hours with drivers to discuss their challenges - and, more importantly, recognise their critical work and dedication.

Dubbed the unsung heroes of the road, truck drivers keep the world moving.

Whether it be during "normal times" or crises, truck drivers keep our shelves stocked and hospitals supplied, and everything else in between.

Do we recognise them enough for their critical role in society? Certainly not.

That's why IRU, together with its Swiss member ASTAG, spent the morning with them today, sharing croissants and coffee to reinforce our recognition of their work and gain more insights into their daily challenges.

Benefits and challenges

During the discussions, the drivers stressed the importance of being passionate about the profession and the joy of being independent and getting to travel. You could hear the passion in their voices.

One of the drivers had moved from Ireland to Switzerland for love. The fact that he could start working immediately helped him to settle easily in Switzerland, despite the language barrier. He encouraged young people to seriously consider the profession.

Another driver said that she had recommended the profession to her son, as it is secure and well-paying. Her son is now undergoing driver training.

Some of the challenges highlighted, along the well-known issue of the lack of safe and secure parking areas, included the fact that they are responsible for the entire transport movement going according to plan. So, for example, if an unforeseen traffic situation occurs, which they highlighted is not an anomaly, they must account for factors outside of their control.

The drivers also noted that some qualifications and training have become outdated and redundant, and that new rules and regulations can be suddenly imposed on them, rather than being progressively introduced.

IRU's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are based on three pillars: people, the environment and community.

This CSR initiative fell under the community pillar. Its main objective was to positively impact drivers' working conditions, value their work and support them in their profession, including being better understood and respected by other road users for their skills and vital contribution to society.

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