Another Port Strike Looms In Southern California

Source: bidness etc

By: LARRY DARRELL

Truckers hauling cargo at Los Angeles and Long Beach ports could possibly go on strike soon, a repeat of the labor unrest that erupted in late February when dockworkers observed daytime disruption in their relief break.

Teamsters union spokesperson Barb Maynard said the sit-in could start early Monday at several terminals, rail yards, and numerous other premises around the two ports. The protest revolves around the truckers' demand for being treated as employees of the relative truck companies they drive for, and not as independent contractors. The demand also includes negotiations for higher wages and better working conditions.

The strike will impact US inflows significantly as the twin ports handle about 43% of containerized goods entering the US, with a spill-over effect on many companies and businesses as customer deliveries get delayed or reversed.

Several companies have been accused by truckers of illegally classifying them as freelancers. Approximately 500 truckers have already filed claims with the California Department of Industrial Relations (CDIR), accusing the companies of charging them to lease the trucks driven by them.

FULL story at link.



Another Port Strike Looms In Southern California
Truckers of Southern California ports will be deciding to strike on Monday, with serious implications for cargo movement

Read more: http://www.bidnessetc.com/40981-another-port-strike-looms-in-southern-california/