Türkiye's international transportation drivers came together in Kapıkule to demand improvement of working conditions

Truck drivers, who play an important role in Türkiye's export transportation, came together at the TIR park near Kapıkule Border Gate to express the problems they experienced and made a statement.

The drivers expressed their demands for improving the working conditions of international transportation drivers, removing Schengen visa restrictions and reducing waiting times at customs gates. Many truck drivers, as well as union and association presidents, attended the press release supported by KATAŞ-SEN, International Drivers Association and Yapı Yol İş Union.

"IMMIGRANT STATUS MUST BE ENDED"

Making a statement on behalf of the drivers, Barış Kaya stated that international transportation drivers should not be considered as potential immigrants and refugees in Europe and said, "We are not tourists, but steering experts who shoulder international trade and carry the burden of the country. No driver has an aim to settle in Europe. Despite this, European Union officials see our experienced drivers, who have been driving on these lines with sweat and sweat for 10 years, some for 40 years, as potential immigrants and refugees, and we have the right to work for 90-180 days with the Schengen restriction." "In addition, free WC, shower and health cabins should be installed. Discounts should be given to drivers in the facilities on the road and a ceiling price regulation should be introduced for basic services." he said.

"WE DO NOT WANT TO SUFFER THESE ORDERS"

Fikri Beran, President of the International Drivers Association, emphasized that international transportation drivers are kept waiting at customs gates for a long time and said, "There is a queue at every gate. There are people waiting at the border gates for 24 hours, 48 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours. We have brothers waiting at the customs for 18 days, 20 days. We wanted a parking row like Kapıkule at the Hamzabeyli Customs Gate. Vehicles remain, there is a 20-kilometer queue. We "We don't want to go through this ordeal here." he said.

"EU COUNTRIES SHOULD NOT TREAT US AS IMMIGRANTS"

KATAŞ-SEN Chairman Şahin Başaraner stated that granting tourist visas to international drivers creates grievances in working life and that the Driver Vocational Law should be enacted and said, "We are international working drivers. But by giving us tourist visas, they condemn us to hunger, poverty and poverty. Enact the Driver Vocational Law together so that we can earn our living like humans. Enact the Driver Vocational Law so that the European Union countries do not treat us as immigrants or tourists. In these parking lots. "Our toilets, showers and rest areas must be in a decent condition." he said.