Truck Drivers Demand Reforms Amid Wage Theft and Misclassification

Truck drivers in Canada are advocating for significant reforms to combat exploitation in the trucking industry, despite the federal government’s recent efforts, including an “inspection blitz” aimed at reducing worker misclassification. The classification of employee drivers as independent contractors has led to widespread wage theft and violations of health and safety regulations.

Karanveer, a truck driver from Ontario, articulated the frustrations many drivers feel. “The millions of dollars to crack down on driver misclassification is very good,” he stated in an interview with rabble.ca. “My only question to them is, why are you bringing a bulldozer to cut off a branch? If you have a bulldozer, you should uproot the whole tree.” Karanveer is advocating for sweeping changes to the Canada Labour Code, including quicker responses to wage theft reports and enforceable pay orders for employers who withhold wages.

In the federal budget presented in early November 2023, the government allocated $77 million over four years to tackle non-compliance in personal services businesses, alongside lifting the moratorium on reporting fees in the trucking sector. This announcement coincided with a government initiative to conduct inspections in the Hamilton and Greater Toronto areas, aimed at identifying violations of federal labour standards and workplace safety regulations.

The push for reform follows Karanveer’s involvement in the Justice for Truck Drivers campaign, which he has pursued alongside fellow drivers and labour activists. Since obtaining his trucking licence in 2021, Karanveer has reportedly lost nearly $40,000 due to wage theft from his employers. He experienced illegal deductions from his pay for damages to equipment, which are prohibited under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act. At another job, he faced delays in receiving his pay, with checks that frequently bounced.

“A lot of common people think, ‘If they are doing this, why do you get hired?’” Karanveer explained. “It’s because you really want to improve your whole life. But when you try to improve your life, this is what you encounter.”

After years in the industry, Karanveer noted that such practices have become commonplace, prompting many to leave trucking for more equitable opportunities. This potential exodus poses a risk to the Canadian economy, where the transportation sector contributed 8 percent of the GDP, equating to $168.1 billion in 2016, according to Canadian Transportation Economic Account data.

Patty Hadju, Minister of Jobs and Families, emphasized the importance of a robust workforce: “Canada’s trucking industry is built by devoted workers who keep our communities and economy moving. A strong and resilient workforce is built on equal opportunities, and fostering inclusivity is essential to strengthening Canada’s economy.”

Karanveer is also calling for improved processes for drivers seeking justice against employers. He filed two complaints at the Canada Industrial Relations Board, but the drawn-out process has left him without resolution for extended periods. “Let me tell you exactly how it goes. If you file a case now, your application will sit for 12 months before an officer is assigned to you. Then they start the investigation, and that can take another one or two years,” he outlined. “After years of waiting, the labor office will tell you, ‘We can’t make them pay. File in federal court.’”

On November 22, 2023, the Justice for Drivers coalition held a national town hall event that attracted over 200 registrants. Attendees united in their call to end misclassification, establish minimum pay rates for drivers and owner-operators, and ensure proper compensation for every hour worked.

Karanveer shared a poignant belief with the participants: “The true measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. If that is true, then the measure of Canada is being decided right now — by how we treat truck drivers, by whether we protect migrant workers, and by whether we allow greed to win.”

The ongoing campaign reflects a crucial moment for the trucking industry in Canada, as drivers advocate for systemic changes to protect their rights and livelihoods.