welder

laborer

truck driver

forklift operator

soudeur

Southland Trailers

I recently had the unfortunate experience of working for [Company], and I must say that it was an extremely frustrating and disheartening period of my professional life. One of the most glaring issues I encountered was the management team's complete disregard for the valid complaints raised by their employees.

From day one, it became apparent that the management at [Company] lacked the fundamental ability to listen and address the concerns of their workforce. Despite numerous attempts by various employees to communicate problems and suggest improvements, our voices fell on deaf ears. The atmosphere was one of indifference, as if our concerns didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

What made matters worse was the lack of transparency and accountability from the management team. They consistently ignored our emails, memos, and even face-to-face conversations, showing no interest in engaging in meaningful discussions or attempting to find viable solutions. It was evident that their primary focus was on their own agendas rather than fostering a healthy and productive work environment.

This disregard for employee complaints had a profoundly negative impact on morale within the company. As employees, we felt undervalued and ignored, leading to a decline in motivation and productivity across the board. Many of us grew increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, ultimately leading to a high turnover rate within the organization.

Moreover, the consequences of this neglectful management style extended beyond employee dissatisfaction. It had a direct impact on the company's overall performance and reputation. Customer service suffered due to disengaged and demotivated employees, resulting in dissatisfied clients and a loss of business opportunities.

It is deeply disappointing to witness a company that claims to value its employees fail so miserably in addressing their concerns. Effective management should be rooted in open communication, active listening, and a genuine desire to understand and resolve issues. Unfortunately, they fell short on all accounts, leaving employees feeling unheard and unimportant.

In conclusion, I strongly advise potential employees to reconsider joining [Company] unless there are clear indications of significant changes in their management approach. The dismissive attitude toward employee complaints creates an unhealthy work environment and hinders professional growth. It is crucial for any company to prioritize its employees' well-being and address their grievances promptly, but sadly, that was not the case at Southland.

Don’t expect a “competitive” wage. I took a 10.00$/hr paycut to work here when I moved to lethbridge.  You’ll basically cap out at 25.00$/hr even if you’re a journeyman welder. Mediocre benefits at best and only after 6 months. There are some really good lead hands and head coaches but their hands are tied most of the time. Schedule is basically the only redeeming quality. Fridays off are nice if you don’t have to come in at 6:00am and Work for only 4 hours because overtime isn’t permitted. 
They now pay for stat holidays (we only got paid for stats if it fell on a Monday) but In order to balance it out,  we no longer receive paid coffee breaks and you’ll still end up working an extra day on the next weekend for lost production hours from them so graciously giving you a STATUTORY holiday off. Kinda defeats the purpose of a day off. 
Seriously, coffee breaks? 
They took away PPE allowance(I’ve always worked in the trades and I’ve never NOT had PPE allowance)
Basically, this company will pinch every penny they can  on the backs of their employees and blame it on government policies. They keep saying “this is our best year” and “we’re on track to give out big bonuses” but the “bonuses they’re referring are basically money that they owe us for all the cuts. I recommend working here if you enjoy making a whole bunch of money to a company that’s going to give you as little as they can get away with. But hey, at least you get a foozball table.

Production is the most important thing to this company. Southland has had job openings on indeed forever, theres a reason they cant retain employees: too much production focus. People are overworked so they quit, then the remaining employees are pushed to make up production, they become overworked and quit. It's a cycle. They're shooting themselves in the foot. You get two weeks off a year that you dont get to pick when. 

It's not all bad. The four day work week is nice, the pay isn't terrible (about average for general labourer, below average for welder). They pay for your schooling to get a ticket but you need to wait your turn, might be waiting a year maybe two. Decent benefits. 

I see why people stay, but overall management is toxic, working conditions are unhealthy, and trailers are more important than people. 

... but if you DO have any kind of experience or credentials, look elsewhere. I applied for a welding apprenticeship after completing the Pre-Apprenticeship welding program at Lethbridge College, and was hired to install lights and wiring in open-top trailers. It was monotonous, hard on my hands and wrists (crimping wire connectors, twisting ends) and back (lots of sitting on a concrete floor!), and I was told that I had to do that for a year before I'd even be considered for an apprenticeship. Then one of my classmates from the welding program got hired on the enclosed trailer line to immediately begin a welding apprenticeship, and that was what really helped me realize Southland wasn't a company I wanted to work for.

Its impressive, even admirable to see a family come together and continue a journey that began with a few good ideas for a fella a few generations back. Its remarkable to see 
a multigenerational specialization, expansion covering many different markets, locally and internationally, specializing with a convenient & versatile group of products. They have clear cut goals, a great team providing a valued service, markatable product, with a good reputation. They also provide industrial training including welding apprenticeships & both the family and the company are visibly involved in local community activities

This is a decent place to work as a learning apprentice but anything beyond that I can not recommend. They are misleading and only care about hitting their numbers. Thursday is NOT the new Friday, you rarely get Fridays off. Its a 4 hour day on Friday and not considered overtime pay (yay Alberta bylaws, see 8/44 rule). The incentive bonus pay is almost laughable for hitting their milestones of production. The turnover rate for welders is really high which is reason enough to know how this place operates. The most enjoyable part of this job for me was my fellow welders were all helpful/chill and stayed positive despite this place sucking the soul out of your body.         

I wouldn’t suggest this to anyone for a career but it’s a good spot to work for a short while and the benefit package was nice. Having said that, this company puts business over they’re employees. They never went through with the incentive program or rewarded the assembly line (including the welders) when production went up every week. The wage rates were all over the place, paying people who’ve worked there for years less than people who are starting. There was never a chance for overtime if you wanted it. There was no major concern for safety if it slowed down or stopped production; that meant if you got hurt they would make you wait in the building until someone could drive you to the hospital or they’d take advantage of you and make you work injured. 

there is never a dull moment at work . it is truly a fast pace environment with constant growth and improvements to the product . With  training that the coaches and managers provide, I have even used it in my own personal life how to organize and sustain . I have always felt that the owners and management team have my back and treat me well. southland has a saying "Doing it right the first time" I personally own a southland dump trailer and i am proud of our product i helped build. The most rewarding thing for me at southland is to be able to pass on knowledge that i have acquired over the years and getting a thank you so much . It is truly a family owned company and a team work driven atmosphere .

What is the best part of working at the company?
The fellow team members were great. A real feeling of teamwork. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Lack of communication from ownership along with direction.  Besides  their quarterly plant meetings there was never any additional communication or updates on progress or accomplishments along the way.   

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
At the beginning it seemed highly team oriented and ownership made you feel listened to.   That quickly fades and became a get back to work and do what I tell you approach.   

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Come in, do your job and go home.

Southland is an amazing place to work, it is a fast paced environment, but hard work is rewarded. I have been with them six months and have moved up from general labor to full time fabrication. And had a pay bump. If you work hard it gets noticed. The work is generally easy, and the management is very involved and ready to help you achieve your goals. School is taken care of if that’s what your looking for and there is job security. Which in this economy is a great thing not to mention the short work week. Friday’s off make for a great weekend. They have a cafe onsite and the breakfast and lunch are amazing. Definitely check it out 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Welder 3 salaries reported	$28.33 per hour
Laborer 14 salaries reported	$21.54 per hour
Truck driver 1 salary reported	$85,000 per year
Forklift operator 9 salaries reported	$22.53 per hour
Soudeur 1 salary reported	$28.50 per hour

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