California truckers pledge to continue blockade of Oakland port over controversial labor law

FAN Editor

California truckers pledged Wednesday to continue their blockade of the Oakland port – the West Coast’s third-busiest container port – until Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom listens to their concerns about a controversial labor law that makes it difficult for them to work as independent drivers. 

The protests began Monday but have since swelled, bringing cargo movements to a standstill. That, in turn, threatened to exacerbate disruptions brought by lingering supply chain issues

AB5 California

FILE: Independent truck drivers gather to delay the entry of trucks at a container terminal at the Port of Oakland during a protest against California’s law known as AB5, in Oakland, California, July 18, 2022.  (Independent truck drivers gather to delay the entry of trucks at a container terminal at the Port of Oakland during a protest against California’s law known as AB5, in Oakland, California, July 18, 2022.  / Reuters Photos)

The Oakland port is a major hub for agricultural exports, including almonds, rice and wine. Along with Los Angeles and Long Beach in Southern California, the ports handle about half of the nation’s container cargo volume.

On Wednesday, drivers picketed gates and blocked other truckers from hauling cargo in and out of the port, Reuters reported. 

SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES, PILOTS UNIONS REACH DEAL TO END 2-WEEK STRIKE

The state law, AB5, takes aim at transportation companies like Uber and Lyft, which classify their drivers as independent contractors. Its supporters, like the Teamsters and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), have accused trucking companies of misclassifying their drivers as such and depriving them of fair wages and benefits. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB5 into law.  (AP Photo/Eric Risberg / AP Newsroom)

Many trucking companies in California rely on thousands of independent owner-operators who carry loads between ports and distribution centers. AB5 creates hurdles for trucking companies to classify drivers who regularly work for them as independent contractors. Some drivers have complained that AB5 forces them to become official employees.  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX BUSINESS APP

California passed the controversial law in 2019, which was due to take effect in 2020. A legal challenge delayed the decision. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case, which allowed California to begin implementing the law. 

Free America Network Articles

Leave a Reply

Next Post

President Biden vows to tackle climate change without Congress

President Biden vows to tackle climate change without Congress – CBS News Watch CBS News President Biden is moving forward with his climate agenda without the full support of Congress. On Wednesday, he announced that he plans to sign a series of executive actions to combat the issue. CBS News […]