Information for third-country drivers

You should know how to recognise the warning signs of human trafficking and labour exploitation. The sooner you realise that your rights may be being violated, the sooner you can get help and prevent further abuse

If you work as a truck driver, you should know who your employer is and who the company's transport manager is. Knowing who your employer and transport manager are makes it easier to check whether the company is operating legally.

Signing documents that you do not understand can affect your employment rights and your right to stay in Slovakia.

Working without social insurance can have serious consequences for your future. If you have an employment contract, your employer must register you with the Social Insurance Agency. This is your legal right and an important protection if you become ill, have an accident at work, lose your job, or retire.

Many drivers spend weeks or even months away from home. However, if you regularly spend your weekly rest period sleeping in your truck, your rights to safe working conditions and proper rest may be violated.

Your driver card records your driving and working activities. It is issued only for you, and only you are allowed to use it. Every driver may use only their own valid driver card. Using more than one driver card or using someone else's driver card is prohibited.

Are you required to drive without taking the legally required breaks? Has anyone prevented you to return to Slovakia or to your home country?

Has your employer told you they will take money from your salary because a delivery was late, loading or unloading took too long, goods were damaged, or something else happened during transport?

If you think your pay does not match the hours you worked, the job you do, or the working conditions in the EU country where you are working as a posted driver, it is important to check what you are entitled to.