Written up for being in the shower while logged as sleeper berth.

I don't understand why you're taking umbrage at me asking what's the difference between an employer "writing you up" and "giving you a written warning"?

 

I think @ZVar is right. From the outside looking in, I see no actual difference. But since every company has its own way of handling things like this in some cases there might well be a difference.

With that said I have seen some situations where a written warning was issued and no record was kept. Kind of a written verbal warning if that makes any sense.

 

What is the appeal process to a written notice or other disciplinary action?
Guilty just because the company says so?

 

If it's a non union company the appeals process is usually a sham. You can refuse to accept or to sign a warning letter but it will probably still go in your driver's file.

 

I agree with you, and I believe there is something inherently wrong with that system.
A company is allowed to deprive you of your rights and then are allowed to give any info they want to a prospective employer, or an inquiry ,in fact are ''required'' to do so.
Does due process have no meaning in the trucking industry?

 

I don't mean this to anyone personally and I'm not saying that every company is bad but after fifty plus years in this business there are elemental truths that time has proven to be true.

Due process? Where does that fit into the fact that a trucking company exists solely to generate a profit? The company sees you as a guidance system for a large motor vehicle, no more and no less. You exist because at the present time you can't be replaced. If they could put a chimpanzee in that seat or run it robotically they'd do it in a heartbeat.
All a company owes you is a safe work environment and wages as agreed at time of hire. There are a few rules, mostly handed down by regulatory agencies concerning safety and human resources but the company is constantly looking for the loopholes in those.
A company is not mommy and daddy. They don't exist to cater to your ego and they don't really care about your feelings. All the fringe benefits, the bonuses, the vacations, the tvs, the truck interiors that are better than some people's houses, the trinkets, and the accessorial pay exist only because they need to attract drivers somehow. If you'd work without any of those things and if you'd drive a truck with a bare metal interior and no amenities they'd be more than happy to make that happen.
If a company treats their drivers better than they have to it's because they've realized that a good crew of drivers makes money for them and increases the bottom line. Some companies never realize that...most companies as a matter of fact.
So, due process? The company might talk a good game but all the time they're making nice noises and trying to convince you to not be such a PITA they're looking for a way to replace you with somebody who doesn't aggravate them like you do.
Profits, follow the money...that's what companies are about. Make money and limit liability...that's their plan
I really wish I was wrong about all this.

 

This is probably the most accurate and on the spot post I think I’ve ever read on this form. Pretty much summarizes the whole thing. The whole big picture. This is why I always say the companies don’t really care about you. Maybe some people at the company who you get to know over the years care for you on a personal level, but as a company as a whole, you are there to make them money. Nothing more, nothing less. Agreed 100% everything else they offer you, is designed to attract drivers. I was thinking the other day, I actually fear the day when there might be no need for companies to really attract drivers. The job will probably change drastically and not for the better. Lol

that said, over the road truck driving is really a unique job when you compare it to anything else out there. And it takes a unique person to do it year in and year out. So I think the balance will always remain. Companies have to attract drivers and offer things to make it more comfortable and more lucrative or they’ll be down drivers. But who knows for sure.

 

If you want to get technical this is the case in almost every business. Management generally doesn't care as long as the job gets done. If any of you know of a place that will powder your behind after a trip to the reading room, or burp you before an afternoon nap please let me know! I know a lot of people that would love to work there!

 

You know, Moose, I agree with the first two sentences. but I don't think anybody is looking to be pampered, just looking for a fair shake and to deal with moral people.

Your tag line sure does fit in here though..

PT Barnum comes to mind and it's an ugly picture IMO.