Sweatshops on Wheels: Who profits from truck drivers' exploitation in Europe?
Channel: Investigate Europe
Date: 2018-10-08

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Labour abuse is happening as we speak, closer than we think. Not on the other side of the planet but at the very centre of Europe. Not in secret sweatshops but In front of our eyes. On the very same roads we happily drive our cars. 
Investigate Europe toured Europe’s highways with truck drivers and spent time with them in parking lots. Haulage drivers are paid in wages much lower than the minimum ones in the countries where they work. And the situation is even worse for those coming from non-EU countries.
Most importantly, the conditions are often inhumane: Lack of healthcare coverage, zero paid holidays, restricted days off, exhaustion, stress. Most of the time, they sleep, cook, eat and relieve themselves aboard their truck or in parking lots. 
The team found evidence linking some of Europe’s biggest car makers via work contracts to drivers that are victims of this abuse. From Renault to BMW and Volkswagen, companies that otherwise boast their ethical commitments.  

Art Direction & Motion Graphics Design: Alexia Barakou 
Sound design & original score: Vassilis Zampikos
Narration: Pavlos Zafiropoulos