Truckers Report discusses the misclassification of truck drivers in Canada:
Called “Driver Inc,” Canadian truckers are reportedly experiencing deliberate and unwelcome misclassification as independent contractors by companies that cut corners and short-change workers.
“Some of the biggest fleets in Canada are Driver Inc.,” Ontario Trucking Association president Stephen Laskowski reportedly said. “It’s a shell game. $1 billion scam.”
During the last three years, OTR truckers have reportedly filed more than 4,800 grievances with Employment and Social Development Canada to recover wages and highlight employment violations. That figure ranks 12 times higher than any other sector the federal government oversees. Truckers comprise under 20 percent of the total workforce, and the federal government has not leveled a single fine or penalty with regards to Driver Inc abuses, according to reports.
“We’re doing proactive – which means that we’re identifying companies we’re aware are using or misusing the Driver Inc. model,” occupational health and safety officer Elizabeth Tavares reportedly said. “At this point in time we’re not taking any enforcement action, but we will be taking enforcement action in the new year. We will be doing investigations or inspections at their site.”
Federal oversight of Driver Inc abuses is based on a four-point test to determine whether someone is an owner-operator or being misclassified. The elements involve, control over the workflow, opportunity for profit, tools of the trade ownership, and accepting the risk of loss. Should an owner-operator exhibit these signs, they may be considered an independent contractor. But telltale signs such as driving the company’s fleet vehicles or wearing uniforms tend to indicate truckers should be placed on the payroll. Truckers have petitioned the Canada Labour Code to force employers to pay the overdue wages.
Source: Canada Needs to Crack Down on Driver Inc Wage Theft – TruckersReport.com
