Dealing With Abuse and Exploitation

02/06/2024 1h 13min Temporada 1 Episodio 4

Listen "Dealing With Abuse and Exploitation"

Episode Synopsis


The conversation discusses the abuse faced by individuals in the traffic control industry from the general public and the companies they work for. Verbal abuse is the most common form of abuse, but there have also been instances of physical assault. The hosts share personal experiences of dealing with abusive individuals on the job. They highlight the importance of maintaining a thick skin and using de-escalation tactics to handle abusive situations. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by truck drivers and the need for drivers to be aware of road closures and detours. The hosts emphasize the importance of following traffic control instructions and the consequences of not doing so. In this part of the conversation, Cranky and SwagMan discuss the dangers of running through construction zones and the risks it poses to both workers and drivers. They share stories of drivers who ignored road closures and ended up in accidents or confrontations with the police. They also talk about the challenges faced by casual workers in the industry, including exploitation and the withholding of shifts. They highlight the importance of knowing and asserting one's rights as a worker and encourage listeners to support and educate those who may be vulnerable to exploitation. They also mention a podcast called Three Wheel Bicycle and express their admiration for its humor and content. In this final part of the conversation, Cranky and SwagMan discuss various ways to support and report abuse in the workplace. They mention the Swag Headquarters Facebook page and encourage listeners to participate in a competition to win a swag hoodie. They also give shoutouts to local businesses and emphasize the importance of seeking support from organizations like Lifeline and Legal Aid. They discuss the need to speak up about mistreatment and report it to governing bodies or unions. They highlight the importance of documenting incidents and seeking legal advice if necessary.Keywordstraffic control, abuse, verbal abuse, physical assault, de-escalation tactics, road closures, detours, construction zones, dangers, road closures, accidents, police confrontations, casual workers, exploitation, withholding shifts, worker's rights, podcast, workplace abuse, support, reporting, Swag Headquarters, competition, shoutouts, Lifeline, Legal Aid, unions, documentation, legal adviceTakeaways

Verbal abuse is a common form of abuse faced by traffic control workers.
De-escalation tactics and maintaining a thick skin are important in handling abusive situations.
Truck drivers also face challenges on the road, including dealing with traffic and reckless drivers.
It is important for drivers to be aware of road closures and follow traffic control instructions.
Abusive behavior towards traffic control workers can have psychological effects on both the workers and their close teammates and family members. Running through construction zones is dangerous and puts both workers and drivers at risk.
Casual workers in the industry often face exploitation and the withholding of shifts.
It is important for workers to know and assert their rights, and to report any abuses or unsafe conditions.
Support and educate those who may be vulnerable to exploitation in the industry.
Check out the podcast Three Wheel Bicycle for some hilarious content. Participate in the Swag Headquarters competition on Facebook to win a swag hoodie.
Support local businesses like Simo's Butchers and Lakelands Chiropractors.
Seek support from organizations like Lifeline and Legal Aid if you're experiencing abuse or mistreatment in the workplace.
Speak up about mistreatment and report it to governing bodies or unions.
Document incidents and seek legal advice if necessary.


Abuse Faced by Traffic Control Workers
The Importance of Following Traffic Control Instructions Supporting and Educating Vulnerable Workers
Knowing and Asserting Your Rights as a Worker Support Local Businesses in Lakelands
Seek Support from Lifeline and Legal Aid


"Assault, assault, assault with deadly cheese."
"Do you want a photo with me? Do you want my signature? I didn't know there was going to be paparazzi this morning."
"There's no point abusing the traffic controller that is telling you to do a detour because we've got nothing to do with what the client is actually doing."
"The dangers you were putting every worker in by running through a construction zone at high speed is ridiculous."
"There's a reason why we have a lane closed on the M5. Trust me. We don't want to be there."
"If you run that and you land in the hole and I've seen this happen, believe it or not, I've seen this happen."
"SWAG, someone with a goal."
"Swag it up. You're in the competition."
"If you're like me and if you're like Crenki and you need a chiropractor, Lakelands Chiropractors, go speak to Melissa there."

TitlesSound Bites
Chapters00:00
New Chapter09:10 Dealing with Abuse and Safety Measures
14:48 Types of Abuse and Psychological Impact
24:35 Dangers in Traffic Control: Worker and Driver Safety
35:40 Exploitation of Casual Workers: Legal Rights and Abuse
38:59 Impact of Immigration on the Workforce
50:10 The Swag Competition and Local Business Shoutouts
55:52 Promoting Mental Health Support and Resources
59:09 Legal Support for Workplace Abuse and Exploitation
01:05:13 Empowerment Through Speaking Up: Workplace Advocacy