Ontario’s heavy haulers are the backbone of our economy. From delivering construction materials and asphalt to hauling fuel, soil, and bulk goods, these drivers keep our roads and industries running. Yet, despite the essential nature of their work, many drivers face unsafe, unfair, and unsustainable conditions on the job.
At Local 76 Ontario Heavy Hauler Union (OHHU)**, we believe it’s time to fix that. Here’s a look at the problems facing Ontario’s drivers — and how we’re stepping up to make change.
1. Unstable Pay and Unpaid Work
Many drivers are paid by the mile or by the load — not by the hour. That means unpaid waiting times at loading docks, slowdowns caused by traffic or weather, and mandatory pre-trip inspections often go uncompensated. For some drivers, this can mean losing hours of income every single day.
How Local 76 Helps:
We fight for **fair pay for all time worked** — including wait times, safety checks, and delays. Through collective bargaining and public campaigns, we push for contracts and laws that guarantee hourly minimums and protect drivers from wage theft or unfair deductions.
2. Training Costs and Barriers to Entry
Getting a Class A or specialty license is expensive. Many drivers spend $6,000–12,000 just to get trained, then face rejection from companies because they don’t yet have enough experience. This leaves them saddled with debt and struggling to find work.
How Local 76 Helps:
We are building partnerships with **certified training centers** to offer **union-backed programs** with fair pricing, hands-on mentorship, and employer connections — so new drivers can get a real job, not just a license.
3. Unsafe Working Conditions and Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the top-ranked safety risks in Ontario. Tight schedules, poor route planning, and long hauls can push drivers to the brink — putting everyone on the road at risk. Many drivers also report musculoskeletal pain, unsafe loading procedures, and pressure to keep driving even when they should stop.
**How Local 76 Helps:**
We advocate for **realistic schedules, safe rest periods, and stronger enforcement of Hours-of-Service rules**. Our safety committees help members report unsafe practices without fear of retaliation and work with the Ministry of Transportation to improve road safety.
4. Licence Suspensions and Testing Issues
In 2025, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation sent letters to over **1,200 drivers** ordering them to retest for their licences due to irregularities at testing centres. For many drivers, this meant sudden loss of income and expensive retests — even if they had done nothing wrong.
**How Local 76 Helps:**
We support members through **appeals and retesting**, provide resources on legal rights, and lobby the government to ensure drivers are not unfairly punished for systemic issues like fraudulent training schools or unregulated exam centres.
5. Lack of Representation and Negotiating Power
Too many drivers are treated as disposable contractors under the “Drivers Inc.” model — misclassified as independent operators to deny them overtime pay, benefits, and job security. Without a collective voice, it’s hard for a single driver to stand up to a big carrier or customer.
**How Local 76 Helps:**
We give drivers and companies a **seat at the table**. By joining Local 76, drivers gain strength in numbers, access to legal and compliance expertise, and a network of companies committed to fair work and safety standards.
Building a Stronger Future for Ontario Hauling
Local 76 OHHU is here to make sure that **drivers are respected, protected, and paid fairly** — and that companies can operate safely and competitively without cutting corners. Whether you’re a new driver trying to get started, an experienced hauler fighting for better pay, or a company that wants to attract and keep qualified drivers, we invite you to join us.
Together, we can raise the bar for the entire industry.