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Main contractors behaviour towards sub-contractors
Rank: Forum user 
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Has anyone found some main contractors management treat the subcontractor employees/supervisor & management with complete disrespect,
Yes they have a job to do but this week I witnessed a project manager verbally abusing numerous people of different trades from vehicle delivery drivers, labourers, supervisors & a H&S professional.
No one wants to lose their contract so they put up with it. This the individual involved was cursing & swearing, embarrassing people & clearly abusing his position.
When I asked some of the people on the receiving end later in the canteen & on site, some of the stories I was told were horrendous.
If you speak back to this manager or in any way try to defend yourself (not jump thru his hoop) he tells you to F off and not to come back to his site.
Even company directors don't want to stand up to people like this as they could lose their contract.
I was disgusted with what I witnessed & heard but if I'm the sub-contractor who opens my mouth I could potentially be in the firing line of this bully & lose my organisation work thus potentially putting my job at risk.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I’m not sure that it is the main contractor, more than one or more individuals who abuse others.
I’ve worked for PC’s, contractors and these days operate as a consultant. I’ve seen managers with little interest in health and safety and ones that believe that as part of their role requires them to bully the contractors they engage.
This does not mean to say that all main contractors behave in this manner, most are professional managers who work with their contractors to get the project completed on time, to budget and undertaken safely.
If this individual is employed by a reputable main contractor, then the first point of call would be one of the directors of the company and highlight the issue, they may be completely unaware of the situation.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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In construction and railways it is a case of the Client kicking the PC, who in turn kicks the subbie. Having worked in heavy construction for the last two years it is not an envieonment I have enjoyed. Very little consideration for CDM Regs or health and safety...I won't miss it if I do not go back.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Many directors also believe that the best managers will throw away the toys and the pram on occassions in order to get the importance across!!
Been there, done it and have the scars
Bob
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Rank: Guest
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I have come across the same situation many times with inexperienced site agents bullying the subbies, presumably to get the work done quicker??
I have even had the situation where a site agent refused to speak to me because I have a London accent and he hated Londoners!!
Having said that I have also come across very good site agents who would do anything possible to help you get your work completed.
So there are bad eggs and good eggs, much the same as in any other profession.
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Rank: Forum user
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Having worked for principle contractor,my feeling is, management of subcontractors do not supervise their operatives enough leaving it up to principle contractor to challenge any unsafe practices
Whether this is delibrately turning blind eye or more concentrated in getting job done(pressure by PC and Client) i dont know?
Although you are always going to get managers/individuals who are more interested inhealth & safety than others
It is certainly a cut throat industry and my feeling is that PC is not getting enough help off CDM Co-
regarding time, everything seems to be wanted done yesterday
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Forum user
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No, i certainly agree on that and the sharper these individuals are challenged on this the better for all concerned
The problem is weeding these bullies out
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Main contractors behaviour towards sub-contractors
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