LOS ANGELES, CA – LA truck workers affiliated with Total Transportation Services Inc. and Pacific 9 Transportation walked off the job on Thursday, November 13th.
This is the second such action these truck workers have taken, according to the LA Times. The last strike, which occurred in July, was temporarily called off after LA Mayor Eric Garcetti requested a “cooling-off” period. Alleged “retaliation” by the trucking companies has since reignited the strike, with drivers organizing picket lines at company yards in Compton and Carson, according to Barb Maynard, a Spokeswoman for the Teamsters Union. The Teamsters have reported that they will be supporting the strikers during this action.
According to the LA Times, further picket lines could be made in the event company trucks were to attempt to conduct business through the Port's terminals. As of this time, however, the LA Times is reporting that these terminals have turned away any such drivers and no new picket lines have been established.
Green Fleet Systems, another trucking company affiliated with the July strikes, has not been involved in these latest actions. Organizers shared that “productive discussions” between Green Fleet and the Teamsters Union have made such action unnecessary.
Mayor Garcetti released a statement Thursday afternoon sharing that Total Transportation Services has agreed to enter talks with the Teamsters in his office in order “to find a way to get its operation back to work.”
“We urge Pac 9 to come to the table as well,” he continued.
This action comes at a time of heightened tension on the West Coast ports. Dock workers and terminal operators affiliated with the powerful International Longshore and Warehouse Union have been negotiating with the Pacific Maritime Association for months over a new labor contract. The previous labor agreement between the two parties expired in July. With no contract currently on the books, the LA Times reported on speculation over whether these dockworkers would launch a strike of their own in solidarity with the truck workers.
Considering that the LA and Long Beach ports alone handle about 40% of U.S. imports, any such action could have profound affects for American retailers and importers. Especially with the holiday season almost upon us, this is a story which many in the industry will be paying close attention to.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any future updates on action at the West Coast Ports as they occur.
