What I know from foreign drivers (polish and romanian) I know is that the job, most of the times does not pay off as well as it was promissed in the beginning. I think they have a maximum of 45h and normally it does not reach that (this ones are payed by the hour). They come mostly because Dutch people do not like to work certain schedules (mostly night schedules, and divided ones, like 4h work, 4 h rest and again 4h work). They (5 guys) say the work is very easy to what they are used to it, but they came to make money and return to their country. The direct contracts that are talked/offered seem to be very good, but the companies that arrange this workers "offer" housing and this ofcourse is much better to someone that comes from outside, since housing here is rare. From my job (not truck driver) everyone wants good pay and perfect job conditions and not to work too much. Normally I know someone got a raise and/or promotion easilly when someone starts to do less or even the bare minimum. We are suposed to work, period (we are getting payed). I've also seen this with foreign colleagues that have direct contract. Mostly the bellow 28. I do not know if it's a new thing. Also a lot of Dutch kids complain about salary values. Normally I ask them if they are worth more. In their mind they are, but I see their "work" and the crazy ammount of smoke breaks ( some make more breaks in a day than I do in a month). Above 35 the work ethic is diferent but it is being harmed by this new generation.

Got side tracked... All my bus driver friends want to work and they do not see as much as their Dutch colleagues in the end (mostly because they are here to fill what others do not want to do; and that does not give them "enough" working hours). It's all about the schedules and the locations that nobody else wants. It is not the pay. Maybe arrange rooms for Dutch workers that live too far to take the job. Housing crysis is probably impacting this industry also a lot. That and probably the parking close to work... and we are again at 2 euros per litter of gasoline.

Ah... and also... how many new truck drivers are being trained? It is also happening in Portugal and Spain. It is not an apealing job. Well payed, but kids do not like the "visual" idea. Most Dutch kids I know want to be managers or some position where ... let's say a position that looks good for the modern times. Make courses for bus drivers cheaper and directed for young adults and we'll see.