A319
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 93; Flight Crew Total 543; Flight Crew Type 297
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Human Factors
(ACARS HAZMAT notification) said; 'AUTO PNF NOT ACTIVE AT STATION.'  I was never told that we had HAZMAT loaded in the cargo.  While we were taxiing out in the vicinity of active runways; the FO (First Officer) sent MISC Load Weights.  We received a message from Load Planning; 'Captain please return to the gate to move HAZMAT.'  We coordinated with ground to return to the gate and tried multiple times to reach operations to understand what was happening and what the plan was regarding door opening; etc.  Operations could never be reached on either upper nor lower antenna.  We asked Ground to contact our Station Operations to confirm the message we received was correct and which gate.  The Ground Controller told us gate XX.  So my assumption was that we were pulling into a gate.  As we approached the ramp multiple personnel were out on the ramp in my way of taxiing and not holding up any hand signals; so I stopped where I was.  These personnel approached the plane and without even talking to me; opened up the Aft Cargo bin and moved a belt-loader up.  They had no confirmation that my #2 engine was shutdown nor that my Parking Brake was set; nor confirmation that I even saw them approach the right side of the aircraft and that I wouldn't move the aircraft.  Finally Ramp Lead [name] (I believe that was his name) connected headset.  I explained to him what had been done wrong and he persisted to argue with me and justify their actions!  Regarding the HAZMAT that I was never told about...apparently; they loaded it in the incorrect cargo bin.  Because I had; reasonably; no trust in this station any more; I contacted Dispatch and Load Planning and sorted out the legality of the situation regarding the HAZMAT.  I informed the Ramp Lead that I would be filing a safety report; and that I wanted him to disconnect headset; and confirm that ground equipment and personnel were clear of the aircraft by giving me the hold position/standby signal (arms down at a 45-degree angle) and then a salute upon my taxi light flash.  Naturally; he did not do as I requested; beside wave the wands in some gesture.  This station is grossly unsafe and quite frankly negligent.
A319 Captain reported Load Planning requested a gate return to correct a Hazmat loading error. Flight crew complied and informed Dispatch and Load Planning that flight crew was not provided with the required NOTOC prior to gate departure. Both loading error and missing NOTOC were rectified.