Disgruntled dump truck drivers staged a slow-rolling protest Thursday that didn't end up causing the havoc or headache on major roads that was initially expected.
The convoy of about 150 trucks rolled out at 10am from Mississauga, hitting almost all the major highways leading in and out of the city including the Gardiner Expressway, the DVP and Highway 401 before finishing just after noon.
OPP credited careful planning and lots of notice to the peaceful protest.
But some drivers were still annoyed that they were being slowed down.
"They're holding up traffic and people have to get to places. Not a good time to do it," one frustrated commuter remarked. "I have to get to work."
The Ontario Dump Truck Association says drivers are upset with low wages and working conditions they claim are unsafe.
Demonstrators said they didn't want to punish motorists with their protest, but still wanted to get their message across. They promised police they would not slow down traffic, and kept that promise as the convoy rumbled along.
"We hope they're going to realize how hard we work to make a living," one driver said as he prepared to take part in the blockade.
Drivers say they're forced to carry loads that are too heavy, and it makes it more difficult for them to come to a stop.
"The overloading is breaking down our trucks, we're having accidents. We're underpaid, fuel prices have gone up a lot," another driver opines.
ODTA spokesperson Harsimran Gill contends driver wages haven't gone up in years.
"We haven't got any raise for the last five years," he says. "The rate that was set around the end of 2003 and the prices of fuel and repairs, insurance, everything has gone up ... The total expenses that we are incurring, we have to put money from our pocket to go and work."
But Gill claims drivers have an ever bigger beef.
"Our major concern is safety," he contends. "It's not just for us, it's for the public."
The truckers are threatening to put the permanent brakes on their operations unless their issues are addressed.
Provincial Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says despite the protest there are measures to ensure dump truck drivers are kept safe.
"Our Ministry officials are on sites, in some cases where the loading is taking place, some cases at the weigh stations, and on the highways," he said. "Severe penalties will be applied to those who are jeopardizing safety."
The blockade lasted between two and three hours.