TORONTO – On Saturday, July 8, truck drivers are gathering outside the Labour Program Office at 4900 Yonge Street to bring attention to rampant wage theft in the trucking industry. Four truck drivers, who are part of 42 drivers collectively owed more than $300,000, will speak publicly about their struggles in trying to get their unpaid wages through the federal Labour Program. These drivers will be available for media interviews.
The drivers, who are primarily racialized migrants, will highlight how the federal government has failed to enforce its orders against recalcitrant employers to pay the truckers their unpaid wages and the need for laws to ensure decent, safe, and just working conditions. They will share their experiences with companies like Sondh Freight Systems, FastLane Truckers, and JHK Folden Express Inc.
Wage theft is rampant for truck drivers. While trucking only makes up 17% of federally regulated workers, 85% of claims for unpaid wages are made by truckers. Yet the gaps in the Canada Labour Code and ineffective enforcement leave all too many truckers without their hard-earned wages and leave employers confident they can steal workers’ wages.
WHAT: Workers speaking out on wage theft and lack of protection in the trucking industry
WHERE: 4900 Yonge Street, Toronto
WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
WHY: The press conference will:
Highlight the widespread wage theft in the trucking industry
Demand federal government action to help truck drivers recover unpaid wages
Advocate for stronger laws and infrastructure for decent, safe, and just working conditions
VISUALS: Truck drivers outside the Labour Program Office in Toronto holding picket signs that outline the amount of money they are owed, supported by other supporters, all of whom are demanding justice.
Canada’s Labour Program’s claims process prioritizes corporations over workers, leaving workers to bear the brunt of the emotional and financial toll of wage theft. We are calling for immediate and effective action from the federal government to ensure that these workers get paid and close the loopholes that allow these companies to continue to exploit truck drivers.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Navi Aujla, Executive Director, Labour Community Services Peel at (416) 837-3871
Rajean Hoilett, Digital and Communications Organizer, Workers’ Action Centre at (289) 923-3534
