In an industry as important as transportation, it is hard to imagine that the crucial roles of drivers and mechanics often go unrecognized. At Transport Hervé Lemieux we try to ensure that all of our employees feel important and valued, no matter what society’s perception may be.
The transportation industry, with its entire workforce, ensures that our economy stays profitable and that society’s needs are met. Without the diligent and determined effort of the drivers and mechanics, many potentially devastating setbacks could occur; essential medical supplies might not reach their destination, necessary food stores could go bad, or worse. These unfortunate possibilities are something that we take very seriously at Transport Hervé Lemieux. We also understand that when employees feel recognized, they are more likely to fulfill their roles with vigor and purpose. So what are some of the factors that contribute to a lack of recognition for drivers and mechanics in the transportation industry, and in what ways can the public become more sensitized to this issue?
The Crucial Roles That Drivers and Mechanics Play
It is our point of view that drivers and mechanics are essential to the functionality and efficiency of the transportation industry. Let’s look at the crucial roles they both play.
Drivers navigate challenging routes and schedules, often enduring long hours away from home and their family, and all this, for the sake of delivering goods and materials on time. They guarantee that supermarkets are stocked, businesses run smoothly and essential services are maintained. In Canada, the country’s vast geography makes the role of drivers particularly challenging and important.
Mechanics are the silent guardians of the fleet, ensuring that all vehicles are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulations. They perform critical maintenance and repairs that prevent breakdowns and accidents, contributing to road safety and operational efficiency. In Quebec, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) conducts campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of road safety, indirectly highlighting the critical roles of mechanics.
Factors That Contribute to A Lack of Recognition
At Hervé Lemieux, we acknowledge that the lack of recognition of drivers and mechanics in the transportation industry can be attributed to several factors. A few of these factors are listed below.
- Visibility and Awareness: Unlike professions that interact directly with the public, drivers and mechanics often work behind the scenes. Their efforts are crucial for maintaining the transportation infrastructure, but their contributions are not as visible as those of more public-facing roles.
- Perception of Skills: There is a common misconception that jobs in transportation, particularly those involving manual labour, require less skill and education. This undervalues the expertise and training necessary for these roles, from technical knowledge to safety practices.
- Economical Factors: Economic constraints and competitive pressures can sometimes lead corporate entities to prioritize operational efficiency and profit margins over recognition and rewards. This can also result in a lack of substantial recognition and compensation for drivers and mechanics in the workforce.
Strategies to Increase the Recognition of Drivers and Mechanics
To enhance society’s awareness and appreciation of drivers and mechanics in the transportation industry, Transport Hervé Lemieux believes that there are many strategies that can be employed. Below are a few of those strategies.
- Arts, Culture and Media: Utilizing modern arts, culture and different media outlets to showcase the transportation industry and its workforce, especially its drivers and mechanics, can be a great way to reach the general public but also the newer generations in a way that they can connect with.
- Educational Campaigns: Developing and implementing educational programs in schools and communities can emphasize the amount of skill, education and experience that is required of drivers and mechanics to perform their crucial roles and in keeping the transportation industry functional and efficient.
- Public and Corporate Recognition: Establishing awards and recognition programs that celebrate the achievements and dedication of drivers and mechanics, at both public and corporate levels, can heighten the public’s perception and awareness of how important these roles are for our society.
Conclusion
At Transport Hervé Lemieux, we see the lack of recognition that drivers and mechanics in the transport industry experience. We do, however, think that by increasing their visibility, encouraging public awareness and education, and rewarding them for their diligent and determined efforts, that their roles and their importance can be fully appreciated and recognized.
