Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Oakland Port Truckers Claim Modest Victory

Port of Oakland Truck drivers who shut down the giant SSA Marine terminal for most of the day October 21 are cautiously claiming some modest success for their protest. The drivers are seeking higher pay for transporting containers, better bathroom access, a congestion fee to compensate for long waiting times, and help in retrofitting their trucks to meet strict new environmental rules. The truckers received crucial help in their protests from members of the International Longshore and Warehouse union who refused to cross the picket lines. But ILWU members are now debating over whether and how much to continue their support of the truckers. Tom Herriman reports from the Oakland waterfront. PHOTO: Frank Adams, Port of Oakland Truckers spokesperson.