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Do you think something is wrong with your working conditions? Is your employer making you drive longer than the legal driving hours? Are they not paying your wages or travel expenses? Are they threatening you, keeping your passport or other documents, or making you pay unfair fines?

If you think your rights are being violated, keep any documents or evidence related to your work. This includes your employment contract and any changes to it, payslips, tachograph records (your employer must give them to you if you ask for them), work schedules, instructions from your employer, posting documents, documents about business trips and accommodation, proof of wage payments or bank transfers, emails, text messages, and any other communication with your employer.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many drivers are afraid to contact the authorities because they worry about losing their job or getting into trouble. But you have the right to safe working conditions, fair pay, and enough rest. If you are being treated unfairly or exploited at work, reporting the problem does not mean that you will be punished. The authorities mainly investigate employers and transport companies that break the law, not the workers who report them. Asking for help can be the first step to stopping the abuse and getting the protection you deserve.

If your employer tells you that you must leave Slovakia immediately after you lose your job, this is not true. If you have a temporary residence permit for work, you can stay in Slovakia for 3 more months after your job ends (6 months if you have worked in Slovakia for more than 2 years). During this time, you can legally stay in Slovakia and look for a new job. Sometimes, a labour inspection may find that the employer was employing workers illegally (undeclared). This can mean that the employer loses the right to hire foreign workers, and you may also lose your residence permit. Even in this situation, you still have 3 months (6 months if you have worked in Slovakia for more than 2 years) to find a new employer.

You can look for a new job through the Slovak Labour Office or the EURES network. EURES offers job opportunities in Slovakia and other EU countries and provides free advice to help you find a job.

Not sure about your situation? Check the warning signs of labour exploitation below. They can help you understand whether you may need help and support.