<< LABOR'S EDGE BLOG ARTICLES

California Legislator Seeks To End Exploitation Of Port Truck Drivers

Court Rulings, Media, Independent Reports Reveal Labor Violations

Sen. Ricardo Lara of California introduced legislation in Sacramento today seeking to end the exploitation of port truck drivers. Speaking before a group of supporters including representatives from the Teamsters, community and environmental groups, Lara outlined the various parts of the proposal that could affect the 25,000 people employed in the port truck driving industry in the state.

“Port truckers are some of California’s most exploited workers, delivering for the nation’s top brands but trapped in a cycle they can never escape of poverty wages and dangerously long hours,” said Senator Ricardo Lara. “Senate Bill 1402 asks retailers to use their market power to end the wage theft and abuse of port truckers so they can benefit from the global economy that their labor makes possible. Port truckers deserve dignity in the driver’s seat.”

Senator Lara represents the Port of Long Beach, which with its neighbor Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest megaport and handles one-quarter of the nation’s cargo container traffic.

To read the entire article, please click here

Cross post from Teamsters

The California Labor Federation is proud to co-sponsor this vital legislation. Art Pulaski, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Labor Federation joined the port truck drivers at the action yesterday. Help raise awareness and stand in solidarity with Justice for Port Drivers! Follow Justice for Port Drives on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on their struggle for dignity on the job.