Truckers halt work at Port of Oakland
Source: SFGate
Truckers at the Port of Oakland were refusing to work Monday to protest unsafe working conditions and unfair labor practices, according to a group representing them.
The work stoppage began at 5 a.m. The group, the Port of Oakland Truckers Association, said port truckers are independent contractors and can't join a union but had organized themselves because of "deteriorating conditions." The group said truckers have not seen any increase in the payment per cargo load in 10 years, while the cost of diesel has quadrupled.
"We want to put an end to inhumane treatment," group member and port trucker Isaiah Thompson said in a statement. "We need safer conditions and better compensation."
The group is seeking a $50 monthly "green emissions fee" to offset the cost of upgrading trucks to new emissions standards, an extension for compliance with environmental standards set to take effect on Jan. 1, and a congestion fee compensating truckers for hours currently spent waiting unpaid for a load. The truckers also want more pay per cargo load.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Truckers-halt-work-at-Port-of-Oakland-4912965.php
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