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TORONTO—The federal government’s $43-million investment under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program will help support trucking companies struggling to hire and train drivers, says Unifor.
“Training is a key part of addressing the driver shortage in the trucking sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The federal government has a key role to help maintain a strong and resilient supply chain. Highly trained truck drivers are at the core of many sectors of the economy.”
In addition to training, the trucking industry must modernize wages and working conditions, says Unifor. In 2021, the average hourly base wage for a truck driver was $25.85.
“Employers have work to do. Training programs are a waste of time if wages don’t keep up with inflation. Safe and secure working conditions are also crucial to retention,” said Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer.
Concerns remain about the many systemic issues that are negatively impacting drivers, including employers misclassifying drivers as independent contractors (i.e. the Driver Inc. model); work intensification; long hours, and over-surveillance. Drivers are fighting for more access to safe rest stops and overnight parking.
The new federal funding excludes temporary migrant workers, something Unifor says is a misstep.
“If we want to ensure we’re going to tackle the national shortage of 27,000 drivers, newcomers must be given permanent status so they can help contribute to greater stability within the industry,” added Poirier.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
