A Serbian lorry driver has accused a logistics company based in Salzgitter of employing him under false conditions and failing to pay him in full. The allegations have been submitted to several authorities.
The company concerned denies all accusations.
The Serbian driver, Savo Borak, told trans.iNFO that in early 2025 he was brought to Germany by Bothe-Schnitzius GmbH & Co. Handels- und Transport KG – officially with a visa as a “helper”, but in reality deployed as a truck driver. After his arrival, he said he was required to sign a second employment contract – under worse conditions and with a contractual penalty of €1,000 if he resigned within the first two years.
Borak also reported incomplete payment: only driving times and a flat rate of two hours per job were remunerated. Waiting and loading times, however, were not covered. He did not receive compensation for night, holiday or weekend work. In at least one month, his income reportedly fell below the statutory minimum wage.
According to Borak, other drivers confirmed having similar experiences. One colleague is said to still be employed under comparable conditions.
Authorities launch proceedings
Borak stated that he informed several bodies about his case. The main customs office in Braunschweig has opened proceedings under the file number “SV 3100 – VG-90147/25”. The State Occupational Health and Safety Authority in Braunschweig also confirmed receipt of a complaint and that it is under review.
In addition, Borak contacted the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), the Federal Employment Agency, the advice centre “mira – Mit Recht bei der Arbeit”, as well as the European Labour Authority (ELA). The latter referred him back to the national authorities.
On 19 August 2025, Borak said he filed a lawsuit against his former employer with the Labour Court in Braunschweig.
Company rejects allegations
Bothe-Schnitzius GmbH & Co. KG rejects all accusations. In a statement to trans.iNFO, company representative Max-Christian Mull said:
“All employment contracts are drawn up correctly in terms of content and are handed over to employees in full after signature. We only employ driving personnel who have the necessary prior knowledge and certificates in line with EU requirements. This enables us to ensure fair and contractually compliant remuneration. We also of course pay all legally required allowances.”
The company added that it would not provide further information at this time.
Advice centres see a pattern
According to the advice centre “mira”, this case is not an isolated one. Time and again, drivers from third countries, particularly from the Western Balkans, report problematic working conditions in the transport sector. These often involve opaque contractual arrangements, pressure to sign, missing allowances, and strong dependence on the employer.
Borak stressed that going public was not about personal goals, but about drawing attention to structural problems:
“Many drivers from the Balkans suffer under the same conditions, but remain silent out of fear or ignorance.”
Editor’s note: The allegations have not yet been clarified in court. The presumption of innocence applies.
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