TransAlta Reviews

Cons

Endless personel downsizing and benefit cuts while CEO gets $2 million bonus. Managers hire friends from outside rather than competitively post positions.

Cons

Upper management not well-liked as you can see from other reviews
Withdraw from the back-up model, to the point there is little contingent plan or back up plan when people are away
Have a push of the 'loyalty' talent program but keep letting people go

Cons

Work was somewhat repetitive in nature. Nothing really stretched the mental faculties in this role.

Cons

Very Dirty, Poor upkeep of equipment, major disconnect between upper management and front line staff. Maintenance performed is minimal. Most equipment is "limped" along in order to continue operation. No Preventative Maintenance is performed. Not a Proactive business.

Cons

- As stated above, good pay, but comes with years of writing badly written level exams that "qualify" you to operate in a First Class Power Plant. Training is extremely minimal, and operators have no say in how their training program works or when a new employee is ready to tackle an area after said training.
- In regards to previously said overtime "pro", actually working overtime has the expectation that the operator will perform double the normal amount of work, which grows by the day. (Avg day, not too busy and no run-ups or shutdowns, 20,000 steps including twisting very large valves that are at least 3 people jobs).
- Management institutes bullying tactics to get their way in all things, some going the extra mile to punish employees.
- Very very poor planning and co-ordination department. Often times a vital piece of equipment will not be fixed for months, attitude being that operators must "pick up the slack" for the broken equipment, even if it violates SOP's and safety rules.
- A general lack of respect towards Operations and no support in education or training for different roles. Absolutely no room to grow.
- Local union completely powerless, employees and operators fired in the past for others screw ups on jobs, LOTO's, etc.

Cons

- This company experienced many of the challenges associated with operating in difficult market under a regulatory microscope
- Financial misfortunes led to many rounds of layoffs and the related hit to morale

Cons

The executives, particularly the CEO, are first and foremost looking after themselves. Employees have been laid off, had pay freezes, pensions cut in half, casual Fridays eliminated, and days off and bonus targets reduced. Execs have had bonus targets increased, no job cuts, stock options added, one-time bonuses and enhanced retirement provisions. Even shareholders noticed this year by voting no to the say on pay. There is no leadership by example at TransAlta.

Cons

Going through major changes right now due to the coal phase out happening in Canada. Could be downsizing some departments.

Cons

Regulatory fines; Dividend cuts; Debt rating; Preferred share scam; Constant reorganizations; Employee relations; Negative morale; Promotion criteria; Constructive dismissals; Ongoing layoffs; Manager resignations; Wage freeze; Pension cut; Vacation cut; Training cut; Parking fees; Old systems; IT applications; Coal plants; Carbon legislation; Project execution; CEO belittling; CFO integrity; Building Cafeteria.

Cons

Clueless, authoritarian leadership only pay lip service to employee empowerment, they don't hear us despite repeated signs of discontent and bad reviews by the lower levels - just look at the Glassdoor reviews!
Decisions follow the "my way or the highway" model
Penny-wise, pound-foolish company
The only hope is it being acquired by someone that gets rid of most of the senior leadership