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

- 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

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

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

Internal procedures and leadership style a bit 'dusty' (well, it is an old company). A tendency to rely on external resources to fill open positions and to provide advice instead of relying on internal know-how.

Cons

Mis managed with no accountability

Cons

Very poor management that's too focused on other things. This job use to be good but the economy turned and the company took every opportunity to take advantage of the workers by cutting pension, days off, no raises, etc. hard work is expected with little or no recognition. But those people who do little work or barely contribute are not punished at all and continue to get away with it

Cons

Replacing Canadian employees with companies from India, not a good idea. Outsourcing to a local company in Canada is acceptable.

Cons

Overall toxic work environment characterized by severe mistrust and micro-management. Inconsistent policies and favoritism. Stalled promotions and employee growth. Use of bullying and temper tantrums by immediate leadership instead of professional competency.

Definitely not an employer of choice at this time.

Cons

Company reputation with regulators has taken a hit. Promotion is stalled. Upper management personnel continuously changing roles/departments. Hiring 'mates' for senior leadership at coal plants who are disrespectful to suppliers, partners and employees. Use bullying, rudeness and temper tantrum tactics instead of professional competency. Pension and paid time off reduced. As people leave/laid off, work is pushed downward and becoming unsustainable. Many employees want out but are stuck due to poor job market.