ASTAG Criticizes Hygiene Conditions for Truck Drivers in Switzerland

The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG sounds the alarm. The truck drivers, the celebrated heroes of the Corona crisis (especially during the first lockdown), have to perform their work under questionable hygiene conditions. The association points out that the situation has worsened again over the holidays.

(Bern) The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG raises the hygiene alarm. Despite their reliable commitment to basic supply, there are currently hardly any toilets and showers accessible for drivers throughout Switzerland – almost like in Dover! The federal and cantonal authorities are being urged to take immediate action without delay.

With great incomprehension and anger, ASTAG must acknowledge that the hygienic conditions for the Swiss transport industry have deteriorated again over the holidays. The forced closure of restaurants and gas station shops due to official Corona measures had already led to untenable conditions. Numerous toilet facilities and showers that are normally accessible to professional drivers could no longer be used. Rightly and with full support from ASTAG, Les Routiers Suisses, the professional association of Swiss drivers, emphasized that decent working conditions look different.

Reliable Basic Supply – Zero Respect

There is an urgent need for action, especially in light of the fact that the supply of daily necessities as well as waste disposal must function smoothly during this difficult time. Thanks to the road transport industry and the daily commitment of drivers, the shelves across the country are stocked, and garbage is collected. The transport sector reliably fulfills its basic mandate, proving its indispensability.

Nevertheless, the misery continues. Not only is there still a lack of sufficient toilets. The few facilities that are open are often in a state that defies description. All of Switzerland is called upon to adhere to the hygiene guidelines of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), and of course, the transport industry does its best to comply with all rules. However, the drivers are left to their own devices – no different than in Dover (UK).

Appeals to the BAG Fall on Deaf Ears

The only exception is the rest areas of the federal government on the national road network. Here, the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) has thankfully reacted promptly in close cooperation with ASTAG and LRS. However, all appeals to the BAG to provide exceptions for professional drivers have fallen on deaf ears. Those officials who repeatedly emphasize the importance of handwashing and hygiene turn a blind eye and a deaf ear when it comes to literally urgent problems. Therefore, ASTAG states once again in no uncertain terms: “The conditions for our drivers are absolutely unacceptable,” says Central President Thierry Burkart: “We sound the hygiene alarm!”

Immediate Action Required

The BAG is therefore urgently called upon to act immediately in cooperation with the responsible authorities. From now on, sufficient toilets and showers in the necessary cleanliness, as well as options for warm meals, must be made available. No new posters are needed for this, but immediate exception regulations, structural facilities (temporary toilet containers), and a clean personnel plan for the maintenance of the facilities are required. Otherwise, the responsible authorities inevitably expose themselves to the accusation of jeopardizing the basic supply in Switzerland.

Photo: © ASTAG

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