HGV driving and the RAF Reserve

[mcguire123]

I'm hoping someone can help here, not even sure if this the right forum.
I have already been through the selection proceedure and been attested onto 609 Sqaudron Leeming.
However, my employer has refused to let me attend Pre BRT.
So the whole thing seems a bit pointless now, after i had put so much effort into the process.
I am a truck driver, and according to european legislation if i work for my employer during the week, i must have at least 48 hrs rest at weekend before starting work again.
My Employer who has went way down in my estimation has quoted this legislation to the OC at Leeming.
The result is i am being discharged and have to return my gear until such time as my circumstances change.
However, i have just found out recently that all voluntary work, paid or otherwise, is not to be counted with regards to the working time directive.
I have given this information to my employer, who has simply advised me me that should i force the issue, he will sack me.
Is there anyone on these forums that can help me with this problem, either with the legislation, or with my employers threats, as a point of employment law.
Desperately need help with this, i have put so much time and effort into this.
Anyone who can help, any spare lawyers hangin around?
Or maybe any other truckers who have come across this problem, and how they have got around it?
Cheers
Steve

 

[Downsizer]

I've moved your thread to the Auggies forum mate...

Hopefully somebody may have some advice...good luck.

 

[grumpyoldb]

I
I am a truck driver, and according to european legislation if i work for my employer during the week, i must have at least 48 hrs rest at weekend before starting work again.
My Employer who has went way down in my estimation has quoted this legislation to the OC at Leeming.

However, i have just found out recently that all voluntary work, paid or otherwise, is not to be counted with regards to the working time directive.
I have given this information to my employer, who has simply advised me me that should i force the issue, he will sack me.
Is there anyone on these forums that can help me with this problem, either with the legislation, or with my employers threats, as a point of employment law.
Desperately need help with this, i have put so much time and effort into this.
Anyone who can help, any spare lawyers hangin around?
Or maybe any other truckers who have come across this problem, and how they have got around it?
Cheers
Steve

European drivers hours legislation is what it is, and you should abide by it at all times. I am CPC qualified, and if you are telling your employer that you wish to abide by the law and he threatens to sack you for it, then he is well out of order. I know how some companies operate, and if you don't toe the line they will come down heavily on you.
I used to work for a national food distributor where if we did not work the maximum permissible hours, we would get no overtime for the next month.
A 70 hour total working week was not unusual.

If you really wish to go with the Auggies, and depending on your personal situation, I would tell my boss to shove it and go with a reputable agency where you can work flexitime. They pay good rates and holiday pay these days, and you can pick and choose which day's you work.

It all depends on your family situation, although if you are trying to do the Auggie thing, you sound as if you are family free.

Hope it works out for you.DT_Xtremez_14:

 

[busby1971]

Sounds like a sticky one

Sounds like a sticky one

I think the situation with your (current) employer is a bit sticky and with the job market the way it is I wouldn't recommend that you jump ship in the hope of other work.

However, on a more positive note, are you not allowed to do a reduced weekly break once a fortnight as long as you make it up over the following weekend or two. You could take a days leave after a training weekend then just finish on time the following Friday.

You could approach the SABRE to have a word with your employer.

Good luck what ever happens.

 

[usmarox]

You may find this of some use to you:

TA Reservists get exemption from EU drivers' hours rules


Ignore the title; it's for all reservists.

Hope this helps,

 

[The Stig A.D.I.]

You may find this of some use to you:

TA Reservists get exemption from EU drivers' hours rules


Ignore the title; it's for all reservists.

Hope this helps,

Excellent find, Usmarox!

Trouble is, Grumpyoldb is bang on the money - I too am CPC qualified and agree that haulage is one of the most cut-throat businesses out there; especially since the influx of thousands of Eastern European LGV drivers who are more than willing to not only fill your shoes, Mguire123, but also to bend the rules a little (or a lot) and all for less money than you are paid (irrespective of your salary).

If this is something you've set your heart on, I'd start looking at alternative employers NOW! Don't worry, there are lots of them out there!

Good luck!

DT_Xtremez_28: