This is a very toxic workplace. Two supervisors in particular are consistently rude and unprofessional—they don’t even use basic courtesy such as saying “please.” Instead of supporting staff, they often create unnecessary problems, even when you’re simply doing your job, such as responding to alarm calls during overtime.
Overtime shifts and extra hours are not distributed fairly. They’re typically offered only to supervisors' preferred employees, while others are ignored regardless of their reliability and performance. If you’re not in their good books, you won’t be treated fairly.
Although this is a unionized workplace (United Steelworkers Local 9597), the union appears to be ineffective and closely aligned with management. Dues are deducted from every paycheck—often a significant amount—but workers receive little to no support. Many employees feel the union is in the pocket of the company, offering no real protection or advocacy. There's also concern over deductions made for a “preferred” charity, with no transparency on where the money actually goes.
There are no health benefits at all. When employees ask management about benefits, they’re told to ask the union. When the union is asked, they say to speak with the employer. It’s a constant runaround, and no one takes responsibility. This clearly shows that neither side is serious about employee well-being.
The pay is stuck at minimum wage, no matter how long you’ve been working. There are no raises, no benefits, and no opportunity for advancement. There’s no appreciation for your efforts either. When I asked the district manager why hard work and staying late go unnoticed, his response was, “You get paid for staying late.” That comment summed up how employee contributions are viewed—without respect or recognition. On the contrary, going the extra mile often results in criticism or humiliation from supervisors who lack basic ethics and professionalism.
Morale is extremely low. Most employees are actively looking for other jobs. Some are only staying until they complete their education, while others are juggling this job part-time alongside another role. Very few people see this as a long-term opportunity—because it simply isn’t one.
Another concerning issue is the lack of diversity in leadership. The vast majority of front-line workers are people of colour, while nearly all supervisors and top management are white. The union representation is also predominantly white. This imbalance often leaves employees of colour feeling undervalued, disrespected, and treated like second-class citizens.
If you’re looking for a respectful, supportive, and fair workplace with room to grow, I strongly recommend seeking employment elsewhere. This is not a company that values its workers.
