Independent Truckers Strike! Part 2

The strike being staged by independent owner/operators shows no signs of slowing down as it heads into its third day in the East Bay.

One local transportation and warehousing business reports that "trucks are moving" in the Tacoma and L.A./Long Beach areas. Is the Oakland strike a desperate last hold-out to a West Coast wide strike that started on 4/30? With 10 times as many truckers operating in Southern California as there are in Northern California one must wonder how long this strike can last without the support of their colleagues in the rest of the state. However there are some independent operators in the South that are showing their solidarity with East Bay strikers, though those numbers are small.

Reports along the port note that at least one Oakland terminal opened at 3 am this morning so its rigs could avoid picket lines. The ploy worked as their were no protestors at the terminals at this early hour.

At least four strikers were arrested yesterday for a variety of assault and vandalism charges as picketers have been heckling truckers those few truckers who are crossing the lines. Pictures below show trucks receiving police escorts coming in and out of terminals.

The Oakland Teamsters Port Division made their presence felt this morning as they passed out literature and generally encouraged the striking truck drivers. The International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is decidedly absent.

A heavy police presence has accompanied the strikers at all three major points of protest along the port, with one spot in particular receiving multiple patrols and even a small array of motorcycle police.

The national media has for the most part been mute on this strike. Here are two articles from papers in the area: http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,82~1726~2126282,00.html, http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10669~2126274,00.html.

Literature passed out to strikers and supporters include officials statements of support from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Port Division) as well as petitions to sign up for the Intermodal Trucker Union.

Demands of the independent truckers include a basic rate increase of 30%, increases in fuel surcharge percentages, and miscellaneous other price/wage increases.

One owner of a company that relies heavily on the truckers to maintain their business summed up the sentiment of all local persons feeling the crunch of the strike when he said, "We are fucked."