Possibly been cheated by new manager

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

Hi guys,I haven’t commented on this forum for a while but I always pop on during the day for a look about.

I really need some advice. I was working for a company for 3 years at alternate weekends driving artics alongside my old non driving job,mainly for experience before I took the plunge.

A year ago I asked about possible full time and they welcomed me with open arms and have been really supportive since and for once in my life I found a job I actually enjoyed,which was impressive as I’m 40 years old. I had a great 8 months and got on really well with my bosses with great support if I was unsure about something. A few months ago a new manager started and he’s changed many of the company procedures. Firstly he now only pays the hours that are on your digicard and doesn’t count your arrival time at the yard,also he doesn’t want drivers inputting manual entries so he can see on his computer what time everybody puts their card in and out.

In addition I cover for the shunter who goes to the next town and back all day while he’s on holiday or sick,I’m hate shunting but I do my bit to help even though none of the other drivers will do it. I came to an arrangement with my immediate boss that as I’m happy to do that he would give me a run to Cornwall alternate Fridays and come back on the Saturday morning. It’s a good 7 hours either way from the depot so obviously I wouldn’t make it back on the same day. There is a £35 Saturday bonus whenever one of us ends up working on that day and I saw this as covering the extra tax I pay for the shift. This really helped to bump my wages up as it is not a great hourly rate.

I noticed the last Saturday I worked I didn’t receive the bonus. I questioned this to the new manager and he replied that as the job wasn’t booked for the Saturday but the Friday I wasn’t entitled to the bonus,even though I did work on the Saturday.

I’m really considering leaving the firm I actually used to enjoy working for which to be honest I really don’t want to do but it’s a good 30 mins drive from my home so it’s an hours drive each way every day and the Saturday bonus really helped to pay the fuel bill.

Could anyone give me any advise as I’m really not sure where I stand with this.

Thanks so much guys!!!

2

Sounds like…Same old ■■■■, another good job ■■■■ ed up by some 2hat trying to make a name for himself at other’s expense.
Hate to upset the brainwashed on here, but if you had a decent union this would most probably not have happened, as in many other cases where t.s and c.s are readily ruined after years of them being beneficial to their employees.

3

GhostRider17:
he now only pays the hours that are on your digicard and doesn’t count your arrival time at the yard,also he doesn’t want drivers inputting manual entries so he can see on his computer what time everybody puts their card in and out.

Sod that. If you are told start at 5 am and you don’t get keys and into the wagon by half-past that’s 30 minutes. Times that by a month and that’s a lot of unpaid time, especially if you add in the time from taking your card out when you finish to actually getting in your car to leave. Manual entries are to cover working time. Waiting for paperwork and keys is still working time, as is taking them back to the office at the end of the day

GhostRider17:
I noticed the last Saturday I worked I didn’t receive the bonus. I questioned this to the new manager and he replied that as the job wasn’t booked for the Saturday but the Friday I wasn’t entitled to the bonus,even though I did work on the Saturday.

If you work on Saturday then you’re entitled to the Saturday bonus. Doesn’t matter when the job is booked for, especially if its booked for Friday but impossible to get back without working Saturday.

Thats my opinion on them though and I seriously doubt what hes doing is against the law or anything so I think its just a case of refuse the friday Cornwall if he refuses to pay you the bonus.
Not sure what you can do regards the card/pay issue though. Ive worked for a few companies that do this but it never bothers me as being agency I get paid off the time sheet which is always filled in for when I start. What I do know though is that when a company does the whole pay from the card only trick its to save them money and the only way to stop it and get paid from your actual start time is for every driver to stick together and say “on your bike pal” until its paid from start time.

Im gonna go out on a limb and assume this new manager doesnt have any actual hgv driving experience

4

bypass the manager and go to the Boss you sorted the extra Cornwall run with . Tell him whats going on and let him sort it out with the new boy in the office .

5

Until the saturday bonus gets re-instated, including back pay for the one you’ve been cheated on, don’t do another saturday.

Yes it might seem like spiting your own nose but if everyone sticks together the run won’t get done, and the company will either have to fetch an agency bod in (which will more than likely cost them more) or not provide the service to the customer.

Sounds like the bloke has just transferred in from one of two logistics giant’s operations (clocking in an out via digi card downloader is the giveaway), and as said he’s out to make a name for himself.
As Beefy, don’t ■■■■ about with middle managers if there’s a serious issue its straight to the organ grinder…so long as you’re a good worker and not a perma whining pain in the arse wingeing about bugger all, when you do go speak they listen.

Someone else will more than likely do the cornish run at the cheaper rate, by all means let them, then when this new bod decides sat/sun rate should be the same as weekdays, then night rate comes down to day rate, and overtime rate vanishes, well you get my drift, don’t do it, let some other bugger instead.

Oh and by all means carry on doing your manual entries, its not only a case of he wants to cheat you out of legitimate pay its also to keep you 100% legal when vosa or whatever they might be called this week tug one of your lot and find a glaring issue then descend on the depot, you’ll be in the clear.

If you’re given start time is 5am, be in the place at exactly that time not a second before, and clock in, and do your manual entry for 5am, not a thing he can do about…you could always ask for written instructions to falsify your starting time to 0530 when you get in the vehicle, but never in a million years will those written instructions materialise.

Yes, a union is a given for drivers these days, sadly drivers listen to bosses and on these pages ex bosses and others with axes to grind about their opinions of unions.

6

GhostRider17:
A few months ago a new manager started and he’s changed many of the company procedures. Firstly he now only pays the hours that are on your digicard and doesn’t count your arrival time at the yard,also he doesn’t want drivers inputting manual entries so he can see on his computer what time everybody puts their card in and out.

As above, continue to do your manual entries. He cannot stop you and all he can do is whine and moan. Point out that it is a legal requirement to accurately record your time on your tachograph and by not doing so you’re breaking the law. Also depending on how much crap you want to cause you can mention that such a request from an employer to falsify tacho records is notifiable to the area traffic commissioner who would look at such a practice dimly and it could affect their operators licence. Expect much shuffling of feet and backtracking when you start mentioning that.

I noticed the last Saturday I worked I didn’t receive the bonus. I questioned this to the new manager and he replied that as the job wasn’t booked for the Saturday but the Friday I wasn’t entitled to the bonus,even though I did work on the Saturday.

Could anyone give me any advise as I’m really not sure where I stand with this.

Thanks so much guys!!!

Go above his head. Put in a written grievance to HR about the money and the fact he’s making an illegal request by telling you not to record your time at work on your card by putting in a manual entry.

7

robroy:
Sounds like…Same old [zb], another good job [zb] ed up by some 2hat trying to make a name for himself at other’s expense.
Hate to upset the brainwashed on here, but if you had a decent union this would most probably not have happened, as in many other cases where t.s and c.s are readily ruined after years of them being beneficial to their employees.

Yep,it’s the same old ■■■■ mate. The manager in question has been around loads of depots but he never seems to stay long. I curious whether to see if the drivers would stick together and call a meeting,I haven’t been there that long though so I need to be really careful.

8

bypass the manager and go to the Boss you sorted the extra Cornwall run with . Tell him whats going on and let him sort it out with the new boy in the office .

Go above his head. Put in a written grievance to HR about the money and the fact he’s making an illegal request by telling you not to record your time at work on your card by putting in a manual entry.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

that from beefy,and conor…end of story.

9

The-Snowman:

GhostRider17:
he now only pays the hours that are on your digicard and doesn’t count your arrival time at the yard,also he doesn’t want drivers inputting manual entries so he can see on his computer what time everybody puts their card in and out.

Sod that. If you are told start at 5 am and you don’t get keys and into the wagon by half-past that’s 30 minutes. Times that by a month and that’s a lot of unpaid time, especially if you add in the time from taking your card out when you finish to actually getting in your car to leave. Manual entries are to cover working time. Waiting for paperwork and keys is still working time, as is taking them back to the office at the end of the day

GhostRider17:
I noticed the last Saturday I worked I didn’t receive the bonus. I questioned this to the new manager and he replied that as the job wasn’t booked for the Saturday but the Friday I wasn’t entitled to the bonus,even though I did work on the Saturday.

If you work on Saturday then you’re entitled to the Saturday bonus. Doesn’t matter when the job is booked for, especially if its booked for Friday but impossible to get back without working Saturday.

Thats my opinion on them though and I seriously doubt what hes doing is against the law or anything so I think its just a case of refuse the friday Cornwall if he refuses to pay you the bonus.
Not sure what you can do regards the card/pay issue though. Ive worked for a few companies that do this but it never bothers me as being agency I get paid off the time sheet which is always filled in for when I start. What I do know though is that when a company does the whole pay from the card only trick its to save them money and the only way to stop it and get paid from your actual start time is for every driver to stick together and say “on your bike pal” until its paid from start time.

Im gonna go out on a limb and assume this new manager doesnt have any actual hgv driving experience

Your limb is indeed correct mate,he doesn’t know anything about driving at all. It used to be a good place to work,but the atmosphere has completely changed now. He uses the excuse that all paperwork should be handed in before your cards removed and you need to go straight to the vehicle as soon as you enter the premises but it obviously doesn’t work like that on paper.

10

Juddian:
Until the saturday bonus gets re-instated, including back pay for the one you’ve been cheated on, don’t do another saturday.

Yes it might seem like spiting your own nose but if everyone sticks together the run won’t get done, and the company will either have to fetch an agency bod in (which will more than likely cost them more) or not provide the service to the customer.

Sounds like the bloke has just transferred in from one of two logistics giant’s operations (clocking in an out via digi card downloader is the giveaway), and as said he’s out to make a name for himself.
As Beefy, don’t ■■■■ about with middle managers if there’s a serious issue its straight to the organ grinder…so long as you’re a good worker and not a perma whining pain in the arse wingeing about bugger all, when you do go speak they listen.

Someone else will more than likely do the cornish run at the cheaper rate, by all means let them, then when this new bod decides sat/sun rate should be the same as weekdays, then night rate comes down to day rate, and overtime rate vanishes, well you get my drift, don’t do it, let some other bugger instead.

Oh and by all means carry on doing your manual entries, its not only a case of he wants to cheat you out of legitimate pay its also to keep you 100% legal when vosa or whatever they might be called this week tug one of your lot and find a glaring issue then descend on the depot, you’ll be in the clear.

If you’re given start time is 5am, be in the place at exactly that time not a second before, and clock in, and do your manual entry for 5am, not a thing he can do about…you could always ask for written instructions to falsify your starting time to 0530 when you get in the vehicle, but never in a million years will those written instructions materialise.

Yes, a union is a given for drivers these days, sadly drivers listen to bosses and on these pages ex bosses and others with axes to grind about their opinions of unions.

The manger has worked at many of the big logistics firms,I know he’s just come from Stobarts and many others before. I’ve decided to see the top manager when I return to work about it,he’s one down from the companys namesake and he’s a very reasonable guy who I speak to often.

Admittedly some of the older drivers were taking the mickey with their time sheets but I think rather than targetting the ■■■■ takers (which would be too difficult) he’s using it as an excuse to con everyone.

Also in regards to overtime rate there isn’t one,I’ve worked 70 hours a week on occasion at the same low rate. I’m class 1 by the way. The only saving grace is I’m paid for my breaks.

11

The bit about telling you not to make manual entries was what fairly leapt out of the screen at me, but others have jumped on that little gem. I’d only add that you should ask him to put that in writing. If he falls for it, then you’ve got him by the stones!

12

GhostRider17:
. I curious whether to see if the drivers would stick together

Tell you what mate, nip down the bookies and I’ll go halfers with you on a double, with Newcastle making the Champions League next season. :neutral_face: …and I’m a fan. :open_mouth:

13

robroy:

GhostRider17:
. I curious whether to see if the drivers would stick together

Tell you what mate, nip down the bookies and I’ll go halfers with you on a double, with Newcastle making the Champions League next season. :neutral_face: …and I’m a fan. :open_mouth:

Haha,the drivers are all quick to moan about this manager as are all the people in the office but when it comes to doing something they quieten down.

14

GhostRider17:

robroy:

GhostRider17:
. I curious whether to see if the drivers would stick together

Tell you what mate, nip down the bookies and I’ll go halfers with you on a double, with Newcastle making the Champions League next season. :neutral_face: …and I’m a fan. :open_mouth:

Haha,the drivers are all quick to moan about this manager as are all the people in the office but when it comes to doing something they quieten down.

That’s the breed of the majority of drivers today, all wind and ■■■■, and who complain to everybody about a situation they ain’t happy with, except the guy who caused that situation who they should be complaining to…ie the boss.

Mind you after saying that,.with the present climate of drivers being 10 a penny after covid/furlough pay offs, they have you over a barrel at the moment. :imp:

15

“Other work” is recordable as soon as you pass the gates, whether it’s to sip coffee, get paperwork, vehicle check, effect repairs or whatever, until you head out the gates it’s wheels rolling.
Is the transport manager ™ 1someone who send you on jobs or a TM who is shown on the O licence? If the latter, they should know the rules and asking you to do this could get you and them to a PI and chat with the traffic commissioner. Avoid confrontational but have a chat and ask how their idea complied with the regulations, if he isn’t the TM on the O licence , then speak to that person and ask. Be polite. Th may have to change their ways and avoiding confrontation can make live easier as well as resolve the problem.
As for your Saturday rate, which the system. If you’re paid for saturdays then ask how yo7 can work it and not be the bonus as per your contract!!

16

I had one like that. I took a pile of defect reports filled one in and kept it. I did not hand them back all week. When he pulled me in i just told him you said i only get paid for driving.We ended up being paid from start to finish. Just mention DVSA may be interested in your manual entries. He will do the explaining to them

17

GhostRider17:
Admittedly some of the older drivers were taking the mickey with their time sheets but I think rather than targetting the ■■■■ takers (which would be too difficult) he’s using it as an excuse to con everyone.

Also in regards to overtime rate there isn’t one,I’ve worked 70 hours a week on occasion at the same low rate. I’m class 1 by the way. The only saving grace is I’m paid for my breaks.

They are terrified of tackling the ■■■■■■■■■ causing issues, and revert to their usual one size fits all routine, its cowardly but typical of the modern type.

70 hours at one rate? time to look for another job my old mate, that’s two times the hours many are doing, don’t get me wrong if those hours are available and something in the region of a grand is at the end of it so be it if you need the money, but not for £650 or whatever it might be.

18

Juddian:

GhostRider17:
Admittedly some of the older drivers were taking the mickey with their time sheets but I think rather than targetting the ■■■■ takers (which would be too difficult) he’s using it as an excuse to con everyone.

Also in regards to overtime rate there isn’t one,I’ve worked 70 hours a week on occasion at the same low rate. I’m class 1 by the way. The only saving grace is I’m paid for my breaks.

They are terrified of tackling the ■■■■■■■■■ causing issues, and revert to their usual one size fits all routine, its cowardly but typical of the modern type.

70 hours at one rate? time to look for another job my old mate, that’s two times the hours many are doing, don’t get me wrong if those hours are available and something in the region of a grand is at the end of it so be it if you need the money, but not for £650 or whatever it might be.

I wouldn’t take home £650 for a 70 hour week at the rate I’m on,I’d come close with the early start bonuses but now the manager has stopped them,he has you starting around 30 minutes after the threshold so you aren’t eligible for it. Noone seems to want to pay here in the east,most driving jobs seem about the same rate although the firm I work for do seem to be at the lower end. I’ve spoken to agency drivers at depots and some of them get £9 an hour plus breaks taken off them.

19

just put the word out hes a paedo, thatll get rid of him soon

20

GhostRider17:
some of them get £9 an hour

Was talking to driver,the other night…who had worked nights,for the same company,for 13 years.

£8.72 per hour.
Time and a half after 40. :cry: