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Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme on Monday, head of enforcement and research at the Dutch-based FNV union, Edwin Atema demanded Europe reject Britain’s calls for help to overcome the crisis. Despite admitting issues have persisted for years in the industry he turned on his heels and claimed visas required for drivers following Brexit was not worth the hassle to help the UK out.
The union boss said: “Pay is an important area but it is not the only area.
“Long before the Coronavirus and Brexit, this industry was sick already!
“Plagued by exploitation by irresponsible multinationals how dragged down prices which ended up with drivers voting with their feet and gently leaving the industry.
“Heaven was offered to these drivers but it ended up to be hell for these drivers.”
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He added: “There is a whole range of issues behind even the news of toilet facilities in the UK and rest of Europe.”
But in a phenomenal slap down, Mr Atema turned the issue of the HGV driver shortage into a Brexit attack on the UK despite earlier saying issues persisted long before Brexit and Coronavirus.
He slammed: “The EU workers we speak to will not go to the UK for a short term visa to help UK out of the s**t they created themselves!”
But a furious Mishal Husain was having none of it as she can be heard sighing before scolding the union boss.
She slammed: “Not ideal language! But we get the message.”
More to follow…
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