Very Disfunctional Management - Scaffolder PCL Construction Employee Review

1.0
Apr 28, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Well the people who worked in the field for the most part are decent and hard working. I would choose to work with many of them again, just not on a PCL managed site.

Cons

The overall program PCL has adapted is one of safety over productivity. But in reality this is just to keep their clients happy. On the site I worked `Surmont 2` just south of Fort McMurray, Alberta there was one set of rules when the client was watching and one set of rules when they were not. I was employed as a Scaffolder. PCL has increased the safety factor to make it appear to their client that they are in fact a safe company. Examples of this are... A)100 percent tie off of all tools. This makes tool handling very difficult B) You must drag your butt along steel beams and not walk on them even if you are tied off. A physical feat in it self(very dangerous) C)You must tie off to a tie point of at least 5000lbs even though OH&S for Alberta states 3600lbs. A 10 inch pipe or larger instead of a 8 inch pipe of larger. And Foremans determine if you tied off correctly and can discipline you at their discretion. D) They add a number of restrictions to you in contradiction to your training and tell you its all about safety and then can write you up for lack of production. E) When you are doing your induction read the fine print, they can terminate you for a number of reasons based on their opinion including any negative remarks you make about them on public media, ie Facebook, Twitter etc My over all advice to trades people is to avoid this company.

Explore other reviews about PCL Construction

5.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Incredible opportunities to grow internally

Cons

Must be mobile, best opportunities are typically outside of your home base

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PCL Construction Response
1w
Thank you for your review! You've highlighted some great things that makes PCL a great place to work. Thank you for your contributions that help us build better futures!
3.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good pay Great benefits Stock buy in Lots of training

Cons

Civil Division - Long hour for nothing. Work for work. Stock dividend from Canada makes it hard for your tax return.

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PCL Construction Response
5d
Thank you for your review. Construction can be a challenging but rewarding industry so we appreciate your time and commitment to building better futures.
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