Haulage drivers take legal action against firm

ROADSTONE Wood is facing legal action by more than 80 haulage drivers who claim the firm is using freelance operators in spite of the fact there is not enough work for its own drivers.

The affected drivers, some of whom have been with Roadstone Wood for more than 30 years, claim that while they say management is trying to describe them as “contractors” not employees, they have contracts that mean they can only drive for Roadstone. This is despite the fact that they own their trucks and have to pay off the cost — up to €150,000 — themselves. Those trucks are liveried with Roadstone emblems.

The drivers say they are available for work from 5am every day but might not be given work until 10am, if at all. “On some days we are making absolutely no money but are still having to make the repayments on the trucks,” one source said.

“The company used to act as guarantor for the vehicles but has now stopped that practice. At one point people who operated the vehicles would have been paid a wage irrespective of how much work they did. Neither of these remains the case even though a number of the same drivers are still working there.”

The haulage drivers say the situation has led to health complications due to stress. Trucks are being repossessed and drivers are losing their homes, they claim.

The drivers are seeking an injunction to stop the firm using the freelance drivers or from cutting the rates.

Roadstone Wood issued a statement in which it said that, as the matter is the subject of legal correspondence, it is not appropriate to make detailed public comments on the issues.

“However, the Roadstone Wood Group wishes to note that the unprecedented decline in business activity in the Irish construction industry since 2007 has resulted in a substantial decline in the demand for building materials. This has further resulted in a dramatic reduction in the demand for the services provided by our haulage suppliers. Roadstone Wood Ltd regrets the impact that this has on their hauliers’ revenues but wishes to reiterate that it is the result of the current adverse business environment.”