When you’re behind the wheel of a concrete truck for 10-12 hours a day, the last thing you need is management breathing down your neck and treating you with disrespect. As your union representatives, we’ve heard from drivers and plant workers across Heidelberg Materials about managers who think intimidation is a management style. We’re here to tell you: it stops now!
The Impact On Our Work
We keep this company running.
Without us, not a single meter of concrete moves. We’re the ones standing in the rain, dealing with traffic, dealing with pissed off customers, and construction site delays. We know what it takes to get the job done safely and right. But instead of respect, our managers respond with threats, union-busting tactics, and bullying. We’ve seen good drivers quit because of this treatment. Others are dealing with stress that affects their health and safety on the road. When you’re operating a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds, you need to be focused on safety, not worried about a supervisor’s next power trip.
Why We Must Stand Together
Our union members deserve respect. Period. The same goes for every worker at the plant, in maintenance, and in the yard. When management pushes one of us around, they’re testing how far they can push all of us. By standing together, we show Heidelberg Materials that we won’t tolerate bullying of any driver or worker. Management needs to understand: respect for workers isn’t optional – it’s a requirement.
Your Rights Matter
Let’s be crystal clear about your rights: No supervisor can force you to drive an unsafe truck. No one can retaliate against you for reporting harassment. You have the right to union representation in any meeting that could lead to discipline. You have the right to speak up about unsafe conditions or mistreatment without fear. These rights are backed by our union contract and labour law.
Taking Action Together
When managers and supervisors cross the line, write it down. Note the date, time, and what happened. If there were witnesses, write down their names. Tell your shop steward. If you see a fellow driver or worker being harassed, speak up. Back each other up. The company might own the trucks, but we’re the ones who make this operation work. Every time you support a coworker who’s being bullied, you strengthen all of us.
Moving Forward
Our demands are simple: Treat us with respect. Stop the bullying. Listen to drivers and workers who know their jobs. The strength of our union comes from the cab of every truck, from every worker at every plant. When we stand together, Heidelberg Materials has to listen.
This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being treated like the skilled professionals we are. We keep the concrete flowing, the customers satisfied, and the construction sites supplied. All we’re asking for is basic respect and dignity on the job.
Remember: When they mess with one driver, they mess with all of us.
The next step is yours. Come to our next union meeting. Talk to your shop steward. Join our fight for respect on the job. Every driver and worker who speaks up makes our union stronger. Together we can get the bad apples removed from the management team. Together, we can make Heidelberg Materials a better place to work.