9 hours not enough?

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS THE UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
1

As an agency driver for the last 8 years i have never found the need to try to work over 10 hours a shift.
Tonight I have done a shift at a major supermarket, 30 miles commute, 45 minutes driving.

3 stores, 2 runs 5 hours driving 270k

back to yard, diesel up, started at 15:00 finished at 00:45

Hand keys and paper work in,

TM “oh Andy can you do one more?”

Me " no thanks I done over 8 hours I’m done now"

TM “But you only done 9 hours”

Me " sorry going home as I am contracted for minimum of 8 hours"

TM " Well sorry I am going to have words with agency as 9 hours is no good as we are busy"

All fine and well for her to say that as the office staff work 8 hour shifts.

As far as I am concerned I have completed my contractual obligations of 8 hours… same as when this company brought in 6 hours minimum I would diesel up after 6 hours and go home.

So what would any one else done?

Rolled over and do another 5-7 hours?

There are so many hours in the day… and I like to spend most of them at home!

And I don’t mind doing over 9 hours working if there is traffic or unloading delays as I expect that can happen, but to be asked to work extra hours no thanks.

Had quick cuppa in canteen another driver said " don’t blame you… stand your ground!, do it once they expect you do it again"

2

its up to you after 8 hours. personally i wont get off my arse for less than 10 hours but i have nothing better to do

3

If they had never asked before and they were stuck then yeh I would’ve done it, no harm in that. But thats just me.

4

I’m with you Andy.

Your busy… Employ more staff/ agency or perm, don’t just work everyone like a dog.

5

How to make friends and impress people come to mind. I am freelance and work for various companies. If they need more I do it. One day there might be a lean period. People tend to have long memories.

I’d have done it.

6

Why work in the transport sector when you want to go home.They have asked for your help and throw the toys out of the pram.What would you do working for me and i say you have five drops in Italy groupage.Do you get to Dover and dump the truck leaving a text to where the keys are hidden but you want a full days pay getting to Dover.Thanks mate.
Euro work is max hours per day.Over 500 miles a day.Cry baby.

7

I suppose if 9 hours is enough to get you by and you’re not interested in perm employment, it’s ideal for you. It’s important to do what you want. I’m a great believer in ‘Working to live’, not vice versa.

8

If you were stuck for work then I’d have done it, the TM could have words with the agency and they won’t send you again, but you said you’ve done it for the past 8 years so I don’t think you’d be stuck for work.

They can’t make you work overtime, simple. No harm in them asking you for more but I think the TM should of just took your answer and left it at that, no need for threats of words with the agency.

9

They want it all their own way though don’t they. Whenever times are quiet they can’t get you out of the door fast enough before you exceed 8 hours, god forbid they pay you overtime, but when the boot is on the other foot it is you that is being an ■■■■■■■■ for not jumping to their tune and working more hours.

You should have said 8 hour shifts are good enough for you office staff so why should drivers work any more?

You are right in my opinion and well don’t for standing up to them. It is because of the weaker yes men that you are expected to do what they want and are considered an awkward git if you don’t.

10

And everyone moans about foreigners taking jobs. What would their response be. If I were a TM would I want flexibility. Of course I would.

11

midlifetrucker:
And everyone moans about foreigners taking jobs. What would their response be. If I were a TM would I want flexibility. Of course I would.

yawn :sunglasses: well done OP :laughing: the more drivers that do this the better :grimacing: :grimacing: :grimacing: :grimacing: where’s me flute :grimacing:

12

NJDav:
I’m with you Andy.

Your busy… Employ more staff/ agency or perm, don’t just work everyone like a dog.

+1

13

The ecconomy has been on its arse for years. When there’s work to do, Grab it.

14

He’s not asking someone to go on a tour of Afghanistan. Or haul a stone from Glasgow to Stone Henge.

And that is where the UK workforce went to ■■■■.

15

midlifetrucker:
He’s not asking someone to go on a tour of Afghanistan. Or haul a stone from Glasgow to Stone Henge.

And that is where the UK workforce went to [zb].

+1.

16

I do agree that 9 hours is enough but there is far more to lose here than a couple of hours off of your day… An occasional extended day to help out isn’t going to hurt surely?

17

midlifetrucker:
And everyone moans about foreigners taking jobs. What would their response be. If I were a TM would I want flexibility. Of course I would.

Unfortunately, the people that invent these scams are never the ones that suffer the consequences of the implementation of them.

It used to be that if your business couldn’t compete within its chosen market sector then it went to the wall and other companies took up the slack and jobs.

Now they abuse the workforce and bleat on that they can’t compete without taking away all of the rewards of ‘working hard and wanting to get on’.

If you can’t find employees get the government to change the law to force people back into slavery.

Or do it yourself - if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen! :wink:

18

Piston broke:
I do agree that 9 hours is enough but there is far more to lose here than a couple of hours off of your day… An occasional extended day to help out isn’t going to hurt surely?

Unfortunately occasional becomes permanent. :frowning:

19

fredthered:

Piston broke:
Unfortunately occasional becomes permanent. :frowning:

this is what screwdrivers CAN’T see! :grimacing: :grimacing: :grimacing: :grimacing: :grimacing:

20

fredthered:

Piston broke:
I do agree that 9 hours is enough but there is far more to lose here than a couple of hours off of your day… An occasional extended day to help out isn’t going to hurt surely?

Unfortunately occasional becomes permanent. :frowning:

Hi Fred

Yeah, obviously that’s the danger but the OP must have a pretty good working relationship to have been there for 8 years, so perhaps stating his case ie ’ I’m only helping you out cos you’re in the ■■■ - I don’t really want to make a habit of it’ might have done a little good and earned a little respect…

I am a firm believer in principles, and sticking to them, but sometimes it does more good to bend a little rather than have to cope with the pain of being too rigid, if you follow me?

Principles don’t buy bread, milk or Yorkies… :smiley: