I have had my class 1 for 20 years and when I started I was earning 7 quid an hour.How is it when you consider that its a lot more costly and more hastle to pass your test than ever, our wages haven’t gone up much!
Its nothing to do with the influx of foreign workers as this problem was here long before Europe opened its doors. Besides migrants have created more truck driving jobs just by settling in the uk.the more people who live here the more demand for stuff that travels around on the back of a truck.
As truck drivers Its probably time we did something about our lack of decent wages.But what?
I consider my earnings to be “decent”
Class 2 tipper driver (until Thursday then class 1 fridges)
Paid for 10 hours regardless if we turn a wheel or not ( assuming the job is not cancelled 24 hours prior to arrival at yard) at a far higher rate than a lot get for Class 1 work.
Paid a clean lorry bonus (generally in diesel)
Night out money at 25 a night
A decent Christmas bonus every year in line with what the lorry has earned.
The fridge job pays 650 a week in the bank plus 25 a night out and a Christmas bonus.
I understand there are people working for an awful lot less per week than I earn and I expect there are those on more a week.
The reason employers are able to pay less is simply that people will work for it, not just immigrants but those with shiny kit syndrome, those with bills to pay a family to support who realise that a wage is better than no wage or those that realise lorry driving isn’t rocket science or hard work who value working above being on the dole.
I’m sure if my only choice was 7.70 an hour on Stobarts and the like or 75 quid a week on the dole I’d be taking the money I EARNED rather than going to the Job Centre
If one is unhappy with ones wage it’s a case of looking for something else which pays better or moving to an area which offers a better chance of earning more (obviously with a job to go to)
Demand has to outdo supply, that’s the only way wages can ever rise. Since that’s never going to happen for the foreseeable future keep dreaming or go work for tesco, they pay well apparently…
nightstar:
migrants have created more truck driving jobs just by settling in the uk.the more people who live here the more demand for stuff that travels around on the back of a truck.
Have they…? From what I’ve noticed the majority of the easy European migrants tend to shop in exclusive outlets that cater for their dietary & social needs so it doesn’t contribute much to the system/economy if you think about it.
Pimpdaddy:
Demand has to outdo supply, that’s the only way wages can ever rise. Since that’s never going to happen for the foreseeable future keep dreaming or go work for tesco, they pay well apparently…nightstar:
migrants have created more truck driving jobs just by settling in the uk.the more people who live here the more demand for stuff that travels around on the back of a truck.Have they…? From what I’ve noticed the majority of the easy European migrants tend to shop in exclusive outlets that cater for their dietary & social needs so it doesn’t contribute much to the system/economy if you think about it.
But then if you think about it some more, you realise that these “exclusive” outlets (I’ve never been excluded from them) are in the local community just like any other shops. We’ve got two Eastern European shops in Ross on Wye and I use both of them on a fairly regular basis. (I love Polish lager and kabanos!) Being local small businesses, they put money back into the community, unlike, say, Sainsbury’s or Morrison’s, which hoover most of the money they make away from the town.
As for our wages … once the economy starts to improve more noticeably, wages will begin to creep up. Once drivers start having a choice of two or three good jobs with reasonable wages, they’ll vote with their wallets and those companies lagging behind will be forced to up their wages just to attract half decent drivers. This will happen sooner in some areas than in others.
Rhythm Thief:
But then if you think about it some more, you realise that these “exclusive” outlets (I’ve never been excluded from them) are in the local community just like any other shops. We’ve got two Eastern European shops in Ross on Wye and I use both of them on a fairly regular basis. (I love Polish lager and kabanos!) Being local small businesses, they put money back into the community, unlike, say, Sainsbury’s or Morrison’s, which hoover most of the money they make away from the town…
Ah so it’s true that not everyone is welcome in those type of shops huh:lol:, I must admit I like their products but I’m reluctant to go in because of their attitude to people who aren’t one if them:( The bit I struggle to see is how they contribute to the local economy much, they don’t employ locals, they don’t source their products locally/nationally (which goes further down the supply chain affecting you & I) etc!?
Pimpdaddy:
Rhythm Thief:
But then if you think about it some more, you realise that these “exclusive” outlets (I’ve never been excluded from them) are in the local community just like any other shops. We’ve got two Eastern European shops in Ross on Wye and I use both of them on a fairly regular basis. (I love Polish lager and kabanos!) Being local small businesses, they put money back into the community, unlike, say, Sainsbury’s or Morrison’s, which hoover most of the money they make away from the town…Ah so it’s true that not everyone is welcome in those type of shops huh:lol:, I must admit I like their products but I’m reluctant to go in because of their attitude to people who aren’t one if them:( The bit I struggle to see is how they contribute to the local economy much, they don’t employ locals, they don’t source their products locally/nationally (which goes further down the supply chain affecting you & I) etc!?
I think what RT is driving at is they employ someone who then fuels his car generally at a garage employing locals , buys a telly from a shop employing locals, buys stuff at Clothes shops who then employ locals. Perhaps gets his car services at a local garage and so on.
Oh and while we’re sort of on the subject Polish food is amazing especially the bread and mayonnaise
We start to improve our lot by not thinking that doing 2 weeks work to make a normal weeks wages is either desirable or normal.
The £7.70 an hour machine is fine if that all one can get for the time being or as a new driver to get some experience, but only as a stepping stone.
Its never been the case that working people have got fantastic money for a 40 hour week 9 to 5 mon to fri, working people either have to work longer more unsocial hours or go into shifts that include weekends if they want the better hourly rates, so realistic targets should be kept in mind, specialising your skill set within the industry helps.
The best jobs i’ve had have all been unionised with properly negotiated terms and conditions, and i’ve always been a member where there is a union, its hardly right to not be a member but grab the benefits that collective bargaining brings, but people who don’t pay their bills tend to behave like this, twas always thus.
Pimpdaddy:
or go work for tesco, they pay well apparently…
When they pay you right, or I should say, India ( 
) pays you right but hey, they can afford shiny new 63 plate units and shiny new fridge trailers 
nightstar:
I have had my class 1 for 20 years and when I started I was earning 7 quid an hour.How is it when you consider that its a lot more costly and more hastle to pass your test than ever, our wages haven’t gone up much!
Its nothing to do with the influx of foreign workers as this problem was here long before Europe opened its doors. Besides migrants have created more truck driving jobs just by settling in the uk.the more people who live here the more demand for stuff that travels around on the back of a truck.
As truck drivers Its probably time we did something about our lack of decent wages.But what?
We can encourage demand for drivers to outstrip supply of drivers.
Take every opportunity to point out the benefits of road transport
Avoid speeding.
Comply with all H&S, legal and roadworthiness proceedures
Decline to work long hours
Decline to drive when you are tired
Don’t work (tip) during your rests and breaks
Support your union
Encourage barriers to restrict new entrants to the industry
While maintaining our traditional hospitality, propagate the advantages of British drivers
If you are an agency driver, insist on stating a minimum wage for which you will work
can’t think of anything else.
Decide what you are worth and don’t work for less. I won’t work for less than £10 per hour the agencies know this so only give me work that pays it, if you think your only worth £6.50 then work for that.
Juddian:
We start to improve our lot by not thinking that doing 2 weeks work to make a normal weeks wages is either desirable or normal.The £7.70 an hour machine is fine if that all one can get for the time being or as a new driver to get some experience, but only as a stepping stone.
Its never been the case that working people have got fantastic money for a 40 hour week 9 to 5 mon to fri, working people either have to work longer more unsocial hours or go into shifts that include weekends if they want the better hourly rates, so realistic targets should be kept in mind, specialising your skill set within the industry helps.
The best jobs i’ve had have all been unionised with properly negotiated terms and conditions, and i’ve always been a member where there is a union, its hardly right to not be a member but grab the benefits that collective bargaining brings, but people who don’t pay their bills tend to behave like this, twas always thus.
Cutting back your hours from 70/80 hrs p.w to 50 hrs makes no difference what so ever,I’ve done this for the last month ,all it means is instead of me driving the truck / doing the job for extra 30 hrs a agency driver is driving the truck/ doing the job.
I could go on strike for a month and job would still carry on,just have casual/ agency in drivers seat.
nightstar:
I have had my class 1 for 20 years and when I started I was earning 7 quid an hour.How is it when you consider that its a lot more costly and more hastle to pass your test than ever, our wages haven’t gone up much!
More hassle, you don’t even need a gear stick or that 3rd rather confusing pedal to pass your test these days!
mac12:
Decide what you are worth and don’t work for less. I won’t work for less than £10 per hour the agencies know this so only give me work that pays it, if you think your only worth £6.50 then work for that.
+1, I won’t accept a penny less than £15 per day meal allowance,but I know a lot who will work for no meal allowance or a couple of quid a day 
Euro:
nightstar:
I have had my class 1 for 20 years and when I started I was earning 7 quid an hour.How is it when you consider that its a lot more costly and more hastle to pass your test than ever, our wages haven’t gone up much!
Its nothing to do with the influx of foreign workers as this problem was here long before Europe opened its doors. Besides migrants have created more truck driving jobs just by settling in the uk.the more people who live here the more demand for stuff that travels around on the back of a truck.
As truck drivers Its probably time we did something about our lack of decent wages.But what?We can encourage demand for drivers to outstrip supply of drivers.
Take every opportunity to point out the benefits of road transport
Avoid speeding.
Comply with all H&S, legal and roadworthiness proceedures
Decline to work long hours
Decline to drive when you are tired
Don’t work (tip) during your rests and breaks
Support your union
Encourage barriers to restrict new entrants to the industry
While maintaining our traditional hospitality, propagate the advantages of British drivers
If you are an agency driver, insist on stating a minimum wage for which you will workcan’t think of anything else.
Exactly good answer
You can get paid what your worth.I think it is more up to the individual than the jobs that are around.When I started driving my wages were probably about average for a HGV driver but I was happy and enjoyed my job.
However as time went by I realised I wanted more not just in wages but in job satisfaction as well.It took a while but eventually I ended up in a very well paid driving job which I thoroughly enjoyed as well.
But again after quite a few years I decided I needed a change and ended up putting myself through training which eventually got me started in work that I wanted and could progress.That is exactly what I did and ended up with a salary far above any average truck driver also with an excellent pension.
Maybe there are not so many good jobs around now but if you want something bad enough you can get it!
As Andy Capp once said. " I would never work for anyone who only paid me what I was worth"
Tipper Tom:
Pimpdaddy:
Rhythm Thief:
But then if you think about it some more, you realise that these “exclusive” outlets (I’ve never been excluded from them) are in the local community just like any other shops. We’ve got two Eastern European shops in Ross on Wye and I use both of them on a fairly regular basis. (I love Polish lager and kabanos!) Being local small businesses, they put money back into the community, unlike, say, Sainsbury’s or Morrison’s, which hoover most of the money they make away from the town…Ah so it’s true that not everyone is welcome in those type of shops huh:lol:, I must admit I like their products but I’m reluctant to go in because of their attitude to people who aren’t one if them:( The bit I struggle to see is how they contribute to the local economy much, they don’t employ locals, they don’t source their products locally/nationally (which goes further down the supply chain affecting you & I) etc!?
I think what RT is driving at is they employ someone who then fuels his car generally at a garage employing locals , buys a telly from a shop employing locals, buys stuff at Clothes shops who then employ locals.Perhaps gets his car services at a local garage and so on.
Oh and while we’re sort of on the subject Polish food is amazing especially the bread and mayonnaise
I know 2 polish guys who drive ‘home’ regularly for mots and obviously car repairs that aren’t affecting its road worthiness(servicing, light body repairs etc)
When they get home they bring more and more cigarettes etc back into the country, 1 does it every 3 months. He got a quote for repairs on his bora, can’t remember exactly what was wrong with it but was quoted £500. He called a polish garage couple of minutes later for a quote & parts availability then drove home in 20ish? Hours and got the repair done for less than £100 and brought thousands of his favourite L&M’s back with him.
Now I probably only know 10? Polish guys really well and 2 of them do that kind of thing regularly. The others? Well haven’t had the topic crop up, but il mention it when I see them, how can that be good for our ‘local’ economy?
You lefties can keep making up excuses, doesn’t matter what people say. You only believe the most PC and multi-culti ‘facts’.
I would say you are worth what you are willing to work for, whatever that might be. It’s no good trying to blame anyone else, it’s you sat at interview being told the wage, if you don’t think it’s enough then say something then & there or move on,it’s no good taking the job & and then ■■■■■■■■ about how low the money is. The fact is that some employers will pay well & some will pay you as little as they can while staing within the law. No union or other group is going to change that as this business is too fragmented these days, you only have to see how some drivers treat other drivers on the road to see that. It’s a me me me society these days where the good earners are happy to sit back and laugh at those having to take low paid work due to circumstances beyond their control.
Ryy86:
Tipper Tom:
Pimpdaddy:
Rhythm Thief:
But then if you think about it some more, you realise that these “exclusive” outlets (I’ve never been excluded from them) are in the local community just like any other shops. We’ve got two Eastern European shops in Ross on Wye and I use both of them on a fairly regular basis. (I love Polish lager and kabanos!) Being local small businesses, they put money back into the community, unlike, say, Sainsbury’s or Morrison’s, which hoover most of the money they make away from the town…Ah so it’s true that not everyone is welcome in those type of shops huh:lol:, I must admit I like their products but I’m reluctant to go in because of their attitude to people who aren’t one if them:( The bit I struggle to see is how they contribute to the local economy much, they don’t employ locals, they don’t source their products locally/nationally (which goes further down the supply chain affecting you & I) etc!?
I think what RT is driving at is they employ someone who then fuels his car generally at a garage employing locals , buys a telly from a shop employing locals, buys stuff at Clothes shops who then employ locals.Perhaps gets his car services at a local garage and so on.
Oh and while we’re sort of on the subject Polish food is amazing especially the bread and mayonnaise
I know 2 polish guys who drive ‘home’ regularly for mots and obviously car repairs that aren’t affecting its road worthiness(servicing, light body repairs etc)
When they get home they bring more and more cigarettes etc back into the country, 1 does it every 3 months. He got a quote for repairs on his bora, can’t remember exactly what was wrong with it but was quoted £500. He called a polish garage couple of minutes later for a quote & parts availability then drove home in 20ish? Hours and got the repair done for less than £100 and brought thousands of his favourite L&M’s back with him.
Now I probably only know 10? Polish guys really well and 2 of them do that kind of thing regularly. The others? Well haven’t had the topic crop up, but il mention it when I see them, how can that be good for our ‘local’ economy?
You lefties can keep making up excuses, doesn’t matter what people say. You only believe the most PC and multi-culti ‘facts’.
Having taught English to Poles and Slovaks for the last 3 years I assure this is far from the norm. Most travel home at Christmas and perhaps once in summer. Whilst your “friend” might travel home for car repairs and somehow an MOT (which they don’t have in Poland) he probably doesn’t for fuel, shopping, utilities, telephone service, broadband, household furniture, clothing, activities and a host of other things where he’s spending his hard earned money in this country just like we are.
To call me a lefty is so inaccurate it almost doesn’t bear mentioning
The issue here is that many drivers are prepared and / or happy to work for low pay (with an optional shiny truck as part of the deal.)
I got my missus to ask the members of the ‘team’ that she is in charge of at work if they would consider working 70 hours a week for similar money if there was no alternative. The answers varied (most were ■■■■ off) but the thing was that none of them were aware that a lot of HGV drivers do it all the time. The consensus was that 37.5 hours a week was quite enough. Maybe they would, maybe not if it came to it. We all know that haulage doesn’t work like an office environment, but HAVING to work a huge amount of hours just to make the wage up is wrong.
Until such time as the idiots that think £7 an hour is enough for a driver, it won’t change. If the driver is happy enough to work for that, the employer isn’t going to argue with it.