Trucker’s Strike Highlights Exploitation in European Transport

A truck driver from Tajikistan, Muhammad Muridzoda, has been on strike for thirteen days at a gas station along the A1 highway near Hengelo, Netherlands, protesting unpaid wages and exploitative working conditions. His case has drawn attention to the precarious situation faced by many foreign truck drivers in Europe.

The Strike and Living Conditions

Muhammad Muridzoda, 35, began his strike on February 9, 2026, parking his truck at a gas station near Deurningen. He has been living in the cab of his truck since July 2025, and reports receiving little to no pay from the Lithuanian transport company he works for. To stay warm, he relies on a small gas burner inside the cab. He communicates in Russian, describing his situation as “particularly difficult” due to the cold conditions.

Exploitation and Modern Slavery

The FNV, a Dutch transport union, has condemned the situation as “exploitation” and even “modern slavery.” According to Ricardo Ouwerkerk of FNV and the VNB (Vervoersbond Naleving Beroepsgoederenvervoer), drivers are often paid as little as 60 to 100 euros per day, and are illegally prevented from sleeping outside of their cabs – a violation of European regulations. When this minimal pay is withheld, the situation becomes akin to modern slavery.

Widespread Problem

Muhammad reports that he is not alone in facing these issues, but is the first to take public action. The case echoes a similar situation recently reported on the Maasvlakte, where a foreign driver was stranded for a week due to unpaid wages.

Social Media and Support

Muhammad Muridzoda has an Instagram account (@1muhammad_a1) where he has been documenting his strike. Local residents have shown support by providing him with food and supplies.

Key Takeaways

• A Tajikistani truck driver is on strike in the Netherlands over unpaid wages.
• The FNV describes the situation as exploitation and potential modern slavery.
• European regulations regarding driver rest and pay are being violated.
• This case highlights a broader issue of exploitation within the European transport industry.