Independent truckers staged a job action that slowed work at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday, November 27. It was the truckers' third job action since August. The Port of Oakland Truckers Association (POTA) called for a strike at Stevedoring Services of America's terminal, one of the largest and busiest at the Port. In a press release, POTA said the strike was “in protest of unsafe working conditions and unfair labor practices by terminal owners and Port of Oakland management.“ Picketers began gathering in the darkness before 5am. About a hundred independent truckers, many sporting their POTA shirts, were joined by at least that many community and labor supporters at the entrances to the SSA terminal.

One picket sign read, “Don't make Truckers Pay the Bill,” another said,“CARB Extend the Deadline.” They are references to the California Air Resources Board's regulation that requires all truck engines manufactured before 2007 to be upgraded to meet air quality standards. One trucker estimated the cost of the required upgrades at between $60,000 and $80,000 per truck and said many truck drivers can't afford it. With trucking dispatch companies and the Port making huge profits, truckers say these wealthy institutions should pay for the upgrades, not them.

POTA reported, “Primary pickets were set up at the four SSA terminal gates beginning at 5am, but due to violent police action, lines began migrating between gates to prevent arrest and detainment of picketers. At least one person picketing was struck by the vehicle of a terminal employee crossing the picket line, and as of 10:30am, there were 5 arrests. Those arrested were cited and released. One police officer was injured when a car crossing the truckers’ picket line ran over his foot.”

Independent Truckers Make Their Voices Heard: Third Recent Job Action at Port of Oakland | Oakland Port Truckers and the 99% Maintain Roaming Blockade of the Oakland Port | Truckers Shut Down Port Entrance This Morning 5 a.m. | Port of Oakland Truckers Association (POTA)

Previous Related Indybay Feature: Port Of Oakland Truckers Shut Down Multiple Terminals, Deputies Ordered to Break Pickets (Oct 2013)