LONDON: The Teamsters Union has expanded labor actions from its on-going strike at Pacific 9 Transportation to include three other harbor trucking companies serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to Barb Maynard, spokeswoman for the Teamsters Port Division.
Harbor truck drivers are protesting that they are employees and have been misclassified as independent contractors.
Philip Sanfield, spokesman for the Port of Los Angeles told AJOT, “There have been pickets at numerous terminals at the Port this week and in some cases terminals are turning away trucks from companies being picketed by the Teamsters.”
Overall “the impact has been peaceful with picketers being respectful under the watchful eyes of Port police,” he added.
The Teamsters issued a press release on October 30th explaining that:
On Monday, Oct. 26, port truck drivers began their eighth “Unfair Labor Practice” strike at the twin ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach. The striking drivers included drivers employed by Pacific 9 Transportation (Pac 9), who have been on an indefinite strike since July this year for 15 straight weeks, and those employed by global giant XPO Logistics
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, drivers from Intermodal Bridge Transport (IBT) began their second Unfair Labor Practice strike after delivering a petition for improved working conditions, recognition as employees, and to be represented by the Teamsters.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, port drivers employed by Gold Point Transportation, which is owned by 3Plus Logistics Co., went on strike to protest misclassification. They are picketing at the company yard as well as at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. 3Plus Logistics also owns Harbor Express, Inc.
