Novocastrian

I'm led to believe that the Maritimes are particularly prone to this defect, but believe me it happens elsewhere in Canada too.

I even heard the Vice President for Research and Innovation at the Uni in ON I used to work for say something very similar. He was from Alberta but I don't think that matters.

scrubbedexpat091

Not showing up for work seems to be more common in Canada. At least compared to the US jobs I have had.

Not sure if it's a Canadian thing though. But it's very common where I have worked.

Danny B

I commuted by motorbike in rush hour traffic via M3>M25>M4 & into West London 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year for 5 years rain or shine.

Most of the journey was spent riding the white line between the centre and fast lane and drivers would actually use their mirrors and move over for me.

I actually had a guy fold his wing mirror in so I could squeeze through in stationary traffic.

I can't speak for the entire UK, but I do think drivers in the London area are probably some of the most bike aware drivers I have ever encountered.

Shard

Driving in the UK is a highly collaborative activity. I think when you're constantly trying to squeeze past each other in ancient city streets, overparked roads or narrow country lanes, it changes the attitude. Roundabouts help too.

Vulcanoid

Don't know about motorbikes, but drivers around Bristol would move for cyclists alright - they're queuing, you ride up the inside, even in an official cycle lane, they pull towards the curb just to block you!

BristolUK

Many times.

I'm also convinced that (in Bristol) when there was a break in traffic giving you the chance to cross and you're waiting for the same break in cars travelling the other direction, that the car you're waiting on passing is deliberately slowed by its driver who has seen you, so that you wait and by the time that car has passed there's no longer a break to cross.

Here, they often stop for you even when there's an official crossing just along a bit

dbd33

I drive there, well London and the southeast, reasonably frequently and love it. People seem aware of the size of their vehicle, know how to work the lights, they probably even know what brand of vehicle they own. It's another world.

MillieF

I do think drivers are probably more polite in the Maritimes....we have more time, I have recently been 'commuting' to an office 7 Kms away and it takes me 15mins when the traffic is at its worst! It's sleepy and slow, but we're all frightfully nice

I don't think I'd feel sunny after two hours behind the wheel in the GTA.

I too Jsmth have noticed that people just don't show up for work without any buy or leave, they aren't sick, but they just don't come. Nothing is said or seems to be said, but turning up daily, on time, doesn't seem to be at all de rigueur.

BristolUK

How does the employer treat these people generally?

My experience of working in NB is only through my stepdaughter. Her managers were good and understanding when her mum died but as an employer they deliberately keep everyone's hours down so they don't get medical benefits. I see other similarities with my old employer.

I have the impression Jsmth's employers don't treat their employees well.

Perhaps it's the only 'weapon' some have to use.

MillieF

'Generally' I think people are treated appallingly in this bit of Canada, which is the only bit I've worked in. There is little demand and an excess of supply, people are fearful to keep the most tedious of jobs and employers use this. There is a plethora of over qualified people doing the most mind numbing of tasks here and being grateful for doing it.

Until the entire economic climate of Eastern Canada changes and solid workforce opportunities other than Call Centres or On Line Gaming Companies (very big employers in Moncton, I believe) are found, this is not going to change, and I'm not holding my breath for this happening any time soon.

scrubbedexpat091

It's currently an employee market in Vancouver for lower skilled jobs.

Employers paying min wage are finding it difficult to get people to work.

Lots of now hiring signs and more places with signs saying they have reduced hours as they can't find staff.

Those not willing to raise wages are not finding staff.

My company is being patient at the moment as we are losing people quicker then we can find applicants and hire and train.

Some days we have as many as 50% of the shift lines vacant.

Takes about 3 weeks to train before a new hire can work on the ramp.

The company had also raised the pay overall in an effort to retain folks.

Benefit wise they only require 32 hours a week and vast majority of us work 32 and above.

Shard

Sounds like Vancouver's high cost of living is starting to impact the labour market?

scrubbedexpat091

Seems to be, at least with the lower skilled and lower paying jobs, but those workers will be the hardest hit by housing costs so likely first to leave.

plasticcanuck

And this happens to you every time you dine? What absolute rubbish.

plasticcanuck

Is "I'm led to believe" the same as "they say"? Who leads and who says?