Garbage truck work.

The way it was described to me in the interview is, the company is a Teamsters union. However, to get this new contract, they obviously bid cheaper than anyone else did. In order to do this, they negotiated with the union, the current workers there, to not include all union perks for the new hires in the new contract. Basically they have created a "sub-union" out of the original one, specifically to save money. One of the stipulations was anyone doing this new contract work, is not entitled to holidays in the months I listed, and they are required to work stat holidays at regular hourly pay.

Naturally, all the current union employees agreed to it because it doesn't effect them, and they get the much sweeter deal. Because this is the way they wrote out the contract with the union, and the new customer, apparently that makes it legal, according to them.

I have to say I am getting very tired of corporations and the attitude of skimming all the cream off of the top, just so a few big wigs at the top can keep raking in millions of dollars in salary pay and bonus pay. The few at the top lead the lifestyle they don't deserve.

 

I actually ended up taking this garbage job. I needed to try it before I throw it into the fire. They are scrutinizing big time for hiring, so I feel pretty lucky that I got this job right now. I found out the pay is $22 an hour, not $21, I know, it's only a dollar, but still, it's more. Also, even though you have to work every stat, you are paid time and a half for your entire day, and any time over 8 hours on that day is double time.

The trucks are all brand new, and assigned. You get your own unit, brand new 2013 Mack trucks that run on Compressed Natural Gas. Company paid to have me fitted for pants, shorts, shirts, reflective gear, and a coat, stuff I all get to keep even if I quit. I also receive training programs from Fortis BC for natural gas and compressed natural gas, a hydraulics course from the manufacturer, and a course on the electronics/gps/camera system on the trucks, everything is paid for by the company.

Training is paid, full wage plus overtime. Oh, and the best part, turns out us guys on this new contract get the same benefits package as all the other guys. It's the Teamsters union in here, which is the biggest around I believe. The benefits are unreal, very high coverage rates, and company paid premiums.

With all of this, how could I say no? Even if I don't like it, I need some work right now, money has all been spent, and Christmas is just around the corner. If I like it, obviously that's great, but even if I don't like it, I will do it for a few years to get the experience in a sector I have never been in, and experience with compressed natural gas, as more and more companies that do local work are switching over to it. It also gives me a boost on my resume if I ever try to hire on with a courier or a city job, as they are all switching over to natural gas.

Hours are Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Your back in the yard by 1:30 or 2:00 at the latest doing a post-trip inspection, while still clocked in can't beat going home at 2:30, miss all the traffic!

If anyone is interested, they are still looking to fill 5 more positions. The company is BFI Canada in Port Coquitlam, BC. Training starts first week of September so if your going to apply, better hurry! You have to go for a road test/pre trip inspection, medical/drug test, and uniform fitting before you are offered the job.

 

This is much more organized.

They hired 48 positions because this contract is completely brand new. It's a 7 year contract, so as long as you pass the 3 months probation, you know you will have work for 7 years. All of the trucks are brand new, and I mean new, all 2013's. I was told by the manager they are trying to improve there image, so these trucks were all ordered with polished aluminum wheels, hub caps, lug nuts covers, exhaust, the works. As much as you can get on a garbage truck haha. They are suppose to have top notch seats too, but this is coming from a manager who has no driving experience, so I doubt none of this will be true when I see the first truck, they haven't arrived yet.

You never do anyone elses route except your own. It's side loading residential work. You get to work by yourself as the truck has a hydraulic arm on it to pick up the bins. Even all of the bins are brand new. Trucks are state of the art. Monitors in the cab and cameras on the rear and sides of the truck. There is even GPS navigation that is updated in real time. The software was written specifically for this area, these trucks, and what they are doing. If a new customer is added, they can "insert" it into your GPS unit to tell you where to go. Basically, you don't have to worry about finding the right streets or neighborhoods, just watch the screen.

I decided to give this a try because the equipment is brand new, and units are assigned. Truth be told, if this wasn't the case, I likely would have passed. The wage isn't bad to start, the benefits are very good, and the hours are good as well with weekends off. Even if I don't like it, I will have to suffer through it for at least a year. I've been searching for good work for too long and now the bank account is drained. With Christmas coming, I need to make some dough and get some cash put away in the bank before I think about moving jobs again.

If everything is what it looks like, the job LOOKS like a gravy job. I think the guys who lucked out and landed the good job positions will be lifers at BFI because of the union and the hours. Sounds like even BFI employees were trying to move into this new division because they want a new truck and a lot of guys want to get out of the roll off and front end collection, where you usually have to work weekends and you spend a lot of time on construction sites and getting stuck.

Overall, time will tell, like anything else. My biggest concern is that this will quickly turn VERY repetitive. After a month, your going to know every route, each day of the week will always be the same thing. Oh well, you don't have to get out of the cab, your dry and warm in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer, and your headed home by 2:30 in the afternoon before traffic even begins.