[View the story "Oakland #PortTruckers shut down terminals in protest" on Storify ]Oakland #PortTruckers shut down terminals in protest Truckers self-organize to halt work at Port of Oakland, demanding more pay and improved conditions. Storified by AJAMStream · Mon, Oct 21 2013 14:46:25
Which side are YOU on? Labor Rights is a Human Right! http://twitter.com/jakernicol/status/392305841551863809/photo/1 #Oakland #PortShutdown #PortTruckers@b9AcE
Seems the entire Bay area protestor infrastructure has been activated to support the #PortTruckers shutdown 2day.Jayron
The truckers say payments per cargo load have not increased in the past 10 years while the cost of diesel has quadrupled. Their
specific demands include a "congestion fee" for hours spent waiting for a load in high traffic, a per-load rate increase, and payment to offset costs of meeting new green
emissions standards . Protesters also sought changes to "inhumane" conditions regarding access to bathrooms.
Talked to a group of #PortTruckers They don't get paid hourly, but by the load. They can wait up to 2-3 hours for one load worth about $50.Minister Flashes
A #PortTrucker just told me they aren't allowed to use the bathroom while driving trucks for up to 14 hours. $50 fine for getting out.Minister Flashes
They pay for their own gas, insurance, etc. On top of recieving no hourly wage and waiting hours at a time for a single load. #PortTruckersMinister Flashes
The truckers' strike drew a significant police presence. At the request of the city of Oakland, a judge
issued an order barring the truckers from blocking people and vehicles from entering port terminals.
Protestors have not broken any laws at #PortTruckers protest - yet over a dozen cops all have their beating sticks drawn and ready #oaklandSeek Veracity
RT @soit_goes: Line of police that just broke up #PortTruckers picket line. http://twitter.com/alyssa011968/status/392299673047666690/photo/1 via @alyssa011968Casey Aldridge
In a display of solidarity, port operators and members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)
joined the truckers in refusing to work, which amounted to a full stoppage of port operations at one of the largest terminals. It remains unclear whether ILWU's work stoppage will extend beyond a single shift. However, members of the union also offered assistance in arbitrating the trucker's demands with port authorities.
Truck drives by honking waving. Love to ILWU so far they r not coming to work!! #solidarity #PortTruckersAlyssa
#PortTruckers havestopped these transtainers cold. ILWU honored the pickets even at gates where there were no pickets http://twitter.com/laurenriot/status/392302625040789504/photo/1lauren riot
ILWU worker reading demands to arbitrator. #PortTruckers #Oakland http://twitter.com/Federal_flashes/status/392335371255574529/photo/1Minister Flashes
Port and city authorities criticized the work stoppage, citing high cost to businesses and harm to the
reputation of the port. A
two-day work stoppage in August cost "millions in business losses and work hours," according to port officials.
"It is vital to avoid any delays when exporting time-sensitive goods like fresh produce," wrote Jean Baker, the port's deputy executive director and acting director of maritime. "It is therefore critical that the roadways and marine terminal gates at the Port of Oakland are safe, secure and open for business so that no delays occur in goods movement."sfgate.com
"the long-term cost of these types of disruptions is significant in terms of the perception of the Port of Oakland as being a reliable gateway for commerce."mercurynews.com
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