News for today's 2018

This week: Walmart protests go global

1:54 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98v2pDkVtEmqvyKJQ5f6P1s5t-AdBBhNDeBn4EcagB1UUvbZem0yzWW_TbxXGPLuwM2xgSUg_3BbXRgfG_lvSw0oqPw0ZsS-hKfeT7MSSe4al0TwUUgCiLnA7tLcsSfJPobGnmXzOqiiv/s1600/All-Workers-Deserve-Respect_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98v2pDkVtEmqvyKJQ5f6P1s5t-AdBBhNDeBn4EcagB1UUvbZem0yzWW_TbxXGPLuwM2xgSUg_3BbXRgfG_lvSw0oqPw0ZsS-hKfeT7MSSe4al0TwUUgCiLnA7tLcsSfJPobGnmXzOqiiv/s200/All-Workers-Deserve-Respect_small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>‘Tis the season for strikes at Walmart and workers worldwide are catching the spirit. On the heels of increasing strike activity this month, workers are gearing up for <a href="http://blackfridayprotests.org/" rel="nofollow">Black Friday protests</a> with a <a href="http://www.uniglobalunion.org/news/walmart-week-global-action-18-24-november" rel="nofollow">global week of action against Walmart</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.uniglobalunion.org/" rel="nofollow">UNI Global Union</a> – an international federation of 900 unions in 140 countries – has put out the call for global protests demanding respect and good jobs throughout Walmart’s supply chain:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Workers around the world will come together November 18-24 for a global week of action… Workers and their unions in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh and the United States are joining together to demand better pay and working conditions for the 2.2 million Walmart workers and countless supply chain workers. </blockquote>UNI <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/groups/walmart-global-campaign/files/1085/download" rel="nofollow">passed a resolution</a> last month in support of the Walmart campaign, creating the UNI Alliance @ Walmart. Its demands include that Walmart allow workers to organize without fear of retaliation and pay workers a living wage with decent working conditions.<br /><br />The global union wants Walmart to sign a “<a href="http://www.unglobalcompact.org/issues/Labour/Global_Framework_Agreements.html" rel="nofollow">Global Framework Agreement</a>” with UNI that guarantees the rights of Walmart workers around the globe. It’s also calling on Walmart to sign the <a href="http://www.bangladeshaccord.org/" rel="nofollow">Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh</a> and to compensate the victims of factory disasters at <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/05/investors-to-wal-mart-gap-no-more.html">Tazreen, Rana Plaza</a> and Aswad – three factories (or “<a href="http://usas.org/2013/10/16/we-need-a-contract-to-end-deathtraps-in-bangladesh/" rel="nofollow">death traps</a>”) that produced apparel for Walmart stores.<br /><br />According to UNI: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Walmart must pay its 2.2 million global workforce plus countless supply chain workers a fair wage and treat them with dignity. Workers and union members within the UNI Walmart Global Union Alliance will be taking their legitimate grievances to the street, demanding that the Walton family which controls Walmart finally wakes up and changes the company’s culture.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">As part of the Global Action Week a petition and letter are being sent to the Walmart board cataloging a culture of unfair scheduling, low wages and retaliation against employees who have the temerity to speak out.</blockquote>The Walmart Week of Global Action is the latest in a wave of low-wage worker strikes crashing Walmart’s busiest shopping season. The past few weeks have seen strikes in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Dayton and Cincinnati.<br /><br />Yesterday <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/port-drivers-who-haul-for-walmart-strike-in-la-with-Teamster-support.html">port drivers who haul Walmart goods launched a 36-hour strike</a> in California to protest Unfair Labor Practices, including port companies’ payroll fraud by calling drivers “independent contractors.” The drivers have been joined by <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/LA-warehouse-workers-describe-horrifying-conditions-join-strike-line.html">workers at two warehouses that move Walmart products</a> where working condition are horrendous.<br /><br />Teamsters are standing strong with the port drivers and warehouse workers.<br /><br />The momentum for change at Walmart is building steam beyond the streets, too. Walmart is being <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/walmart-to-be-charged-by-nlrb-for-illegally-retaliation.html">charged by the NLRB</a> with illegally retaliating against 117 workers. Plus, Walmart is getting slammed in the media with reports about an employee <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/walmart-holding-food-drive-for-its-own-employees.html">food drive in Ohio to help “Associates in Need”</a> buy Thanksgiving dinner and a Demos report that says Walmart <a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/11/19/wal_mart_could_pay_every_us_employee_14_89_just_by_not_buying_its_own_stock/" rel="nofollow">could afford to pay all of its U.S. employees $14.89</a> an hour if it stopped buying its own stock.<br /><br />With Black Friday on the horizon, now is the time to get involved and support Walmart workers. And while you’re protesting on Black Friday (click <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-support-walmart-strikers">here</a> to find an action near you), don’t forget to support the international campaign for fairness at Walmart by <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/groups/walmart-global-campaign/files/1084/download" rel="nofollow">sending a copy of the UNI letter to Walmart’s HQ</a> and <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/walmart-workers-around-the-world-demand-respect" rel="nofollow">signing the online petition</a> to support Walmart workers worldwide.<br /><br />The globalization of Walmart labor unrest is welcome news for workers in the U.S. We need nothing less than a global movement of workers to take on a global giant like Walmart.

‘Tis the season for strikes at Walmart and workers worldwide are catching the spirit. On the heels of increasing strike activity this month,...

Woot! Walmart to be charged by NLRB for illegally retaliating against 117 workers

1:49 PM Tukiyooo 0

The federal labor board is prepared to prosecute Walmart for violating workers' rights on a day when the company faces <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/port-drivers-who-haul-for-walmart-strike-in-la-with-Teamster-support.html" rel="nofollow">strikes by drivers who haul its goods in California </a>and retail employees in Ohio. The news media is also reporting that a <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/11/walmart-holding-food-drive-for-its-own-employees.html" rel="nofollow">Walmart store is holding a food drive for its own employees</a> and that a Walmart subcontracted warehouse exposes its workers to horrifying conditions.<br /><br />Call it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OURWMT" rel="nofollow">Walmart's</a> terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.<br /><br /><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/18/2962751/nlrb-walmart/" rel="nofollow">ThinkProgress</a> spoke to representatives of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OURWMT" rel="nofollow">OUR Walmart</a>, the group helping to organize workers:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The group says the NLRB will prosecute the company for illegally firing and disciplining more than 117 workers, including some who went on strike last June. It also includes threats by managers and spokespeople meant to discourage workers from striking. Workers could potentially see back pay, reinstatement to their former positions, and the reversal of disciplinary actions...</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">...workers have repeatedly claimed that they are fired or disciplined for going on strike. The company itself has also admitted to threatening workers who look into forming unions that their benefits could disappear if they organize.</blockquote>And even as <a href="http://teamster.org/" rel="nofollow">Teamsters</a> walk the strike line with port drivers outside of American Logistics, warehouse workers inside are telling the press about filthy restrooms, blocked fire exits and chemical odors. Josh Eidelson at <a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/11/18/breaking_wal_mart_faces_warehouse_horror_allegations_and_federal_labor_board_complaint/" rel="nofollow">Salon</a> spoke to several employees of a Walmart warehouse subcontractor:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“There is only one restroom for both genders”; “Emergency exits are often blocked”; and “Workers are constantly exposed to hazards, specifically falling boxes and forklifts driving in the same areas as workers who walk.” At Pacer International, workers’ allegations include “Fire exits are often blocked”; “Forklift drivers routinely drive into the dark trailers and containers while workers are inside, presenting a risk of workers being hit by forklifts”; and “There is a constant propane smell in the facility, resulting in workers feeling dizzy, nauseous and overwhelmed. There is no ventilation in the facility.”  </blockquote>And Black Friday is just around the corner. If you'd like to come and and support Walmart workers, click <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-support-walmart-strikers" rel="nofollow">here</a> to find an action near you.<br /><br /><br />

nlrb port strike walmart Woot! Walmart to be charged by NLRB for illegally retaliating against 117 workers

The federal labor board is prepared to prosecute Walmart for violating workers' rights on a day when the company faces strikes by driver...

Walmart holding food drive for its own employees

11:52 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiZMDh2bHdH85z4zBVH4My_jT3yqOHoO9vR2rB8XCmxzvqBGRmn8LffPMgpINZQAK05K5G5uMKrJ8-f8k45tMgamAkRv2GJYP2EFtY5PBhCMInRpYqxn5UgCYI_fg8Gat8ZEbj1BSsWp9/s1600/walmart+food+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiZMDh2bHdH85z4zBVH4My_jT3yqOHoO9vR2rB8XCmxzvqBGRmn8LffPMgpINZQAK05K5G5uMKrJ8-f8k45tMgamAkRv2GJYP2EFtY5PBhCMInRpYqxn5UgCYI_fg8Gat8ZEbj1BSsWp9/s400/walmart+food+drive.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />A Cleveland-area <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OURWMT" rel="nofollow">Walmart</a> is asking its low-wage employees to donate food so the other low-wage employees can have a nice Thanksgiving.<br /><br />We're not making this up.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/11/is_walmarts_request_of_associa.html" rel="nofollow">Cleveland Plain Dealer</a> broke the story:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The storage containers are attractively displayed at the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard in Canton. The bins are lined up in alternating colors of purple and orange. Some sit on tables covered with golden yellow tablecloths. Others peer out from under the tables. </blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeNUca3vkA8393o7Dsqb51f-i-TgKVWA_DE7mooJCxpyC65vHJ34PoTjemtF4mrLz9f4_OeDTADGODUEBr4yp7VjkcCGVl1ohKPgJ7YXHDTgyi2gPCoOLDZThXqE4DFCSUgI9OSlJnWTe/s1600/walmart+dayton+strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeNUca3vkA8393o7Dsqb51f-i-TgKVWA_DE7mooJCxpyC65vHJ34PoTjemtF4mrLz9f4_OeDTADGODUEBr4yp7VjkcCGVl1ohKPgJ7YXHDTgyi2gPCoOLDZThXqE4DFCSUgI9OSlJnWTe/s320/walmart+dayton+strike.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walmart strike today in Dayton, Ohio</td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote class="tr_bq">This isn't a merchandise display. It's a food drive - not for the community, but for needy workers.</blockquote>The newspaper calls the food drive an "element in the backdrop of the public debate about salaries for cashiers, stock clerks and other low-wage positions at Walmart."<br /><br />Ya think?<br /><br />As the story spread about the food drive, more Walmart workers went on strike in Cincinnati and Dayton today, following strikes in Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago over the past few weeks. Today, another group of low-wage workers -- port truck drivers -- walked off the job in a surprise 36-hour strike at the Port of Los Angeles.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamster.org/" rel="nofollow">Teamsters</a> are supporting low-wage worker strikes because -- well, because an injury to one is an injury to all. Because the only way to rebuild the middle class is by raising wages. Because it's the right thing to do.<br /><br />In Los Angeles, three Teamsters were among the 54 arrested for acts of civil disobedience during a Walmart protest. Seattle Teamsters came out to represent for Walmart strikers in the Northwest. And today Teamsters have been walking the strike line at the Port of Los Angeles since 5 a.m.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a Walmart spokesman defended the food drive. He told the Plain Dealer:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">This is part of the company’s culture to rally around associates and take care of them when they face extreme hardships.</blockquote>Never mind that Walmart's low wages are the cause of the hardship.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

low wage workers port strike walmart Walmart holding food drive for its own employees

A Cleveland-area Walmart is asking its low-wage employees to donate food so the other low-wage employees can have a nice Thanksgiving. We...

Tomorrow’s low-wage worker strikes continue King’s fight for good jobs

12:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zr5Uhv1OuOJiVJ3smh59neaiP0YJapyb0rT7BiQ-ptYxE5hN2v55LnbsdaVOuFs_P1kTBDXb-hLN0GGthzJTeTKoUw4SVEDnzEdZyzV3ESR1eW5RR7XEbLUMcGF_fOcXvVgYG2nT1Y56/s1600/fast+food+i+am+a+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zr5Uhv1OuOJiVJ3smh59neaiP0YJapyb0rT7BiQ-ptYxE5hN2v55LnbsdaVOuFs_P1kTBDXb-hLN0GGthzJTeTKoUw4SVEDnzEdZyzV3ESR1eW5RR7XEbLUMcGF_fOcXvVgYG2nT1Y56/s320/fast+food+i+am+a+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today thousands have descended on Washington, D.C, to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. Tomorrow </span><a href="http://lowpayisnotok.org/" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hundreds of fast-food workers will strike</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in cities across the country in an ongoing movement to win the demands of the 1963 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom">March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom</a>. </span>And just yesterday,<a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/la-port-strike-ends-with-return-to-work.html" rel="nofollow"> truck drivers at the Port of L.A.</a> staged the first-ever one-day strike to protest retaliation for trying to form a union.<br /><br />Speakers at today’s commemoration in D.C. are paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream" rel="nofollow">I Have A Dream</a>” speech. But 50 years later, King’s dream of economic and racial justice is still just a dream for thousands of working-class Americans who are jobless or stuck in low-wage jobs.<o:p></o:p><br /><br />As we have reported <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/minimum-wage-lower-today.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, one of the demands of the March on Washington was “A national minimum wage act that will give all Americans a decent standard of living.” Organizers in 1963 said “anything less than $2.00 an hour fails to do this.” That’s the equivalent of $15.27 an hour today. <br /><br />Today’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour shows just how little economic justice has been won since King led the March on Washington<br /><br />Teamsters</span> General President Jim Hoffa wrote this week in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-p-hoffa/living-wage-now_b_3823563.html?utm_hp_ref=politics">Huffington Post</a></i>, <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Millions of solid middle-class jobs disappeared during the last decade because of the recession and unfair trade agreements. </span><a href="http://www.alternet.org/recession-forever-10-reasons-american-workers-are-screwed" target="_hplink"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">By a three-to-one margin</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, they have been replaced by those in low-wage occupations. Jobs that used to be the first step in the economic ladder for teenagers and college students are now filled by adults trying to pay their bills.</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And all of this is happening when the nation's <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/profits-at-high-wages-at-low-2013-4" target="_hplink"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">corporations are doing better than ever</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Sales are going through the roof while workers are being forced into untenable situations.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">The demand for better jobs with living wages and dignity in the workplace is inseparable from the spirit that moved 250,000 people to march on Washington 50 years ago. While many of the formal barriers to racial equality have fallen since then, the economic barriers that keep so many Americans living at or near the poverty line are as strong as ever.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And the erosion of the achievements made by King’s struggle is multi-layered. When the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act earlier this summer, it put its stamp of approval on voter suppression laws that protect corporate power against workers and the poor.<br /><br />"The fierce urgency of now” that King talked about in his “I Have A Dream” speech continues to inspire the bravery of low-wage workers who have been waging aggressive strikes in the fast-food, retail, trucking, and warehouse industries.</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Increasingly…we are seeing workers stand up for their rights. Walkouts have become commonplace. They know they are getting a raw deal and are revolting. Whether it's one-day strikes by warehouse, retail and fast-food workers or on-going protests in North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin, the American public is demanding to be heard.</span></span>  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People are joining together to raise awareness about the plight of low-wage workers in this country. And more and more each day are realizing the unfairness of the system.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Teamsters are supporting the port truck drivers in L.A. who returned to work today after a successful </span><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/LA-port-strikers-picket-trucks.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">one-day strike yesterday against Green Fleet Systems</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. They are part of the broad movement that includes workers at Walmart, warehouses, government contractors and fast-food chains. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Five years after the original March on Washington, King launched the “</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_People's_Campaign"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Poor People’s Campaign</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,” which he saw as the second phase of the civil rights movement. The campaign included demands for an “economic bill of rights” and living wages for all workers. <br /><br />King was assassinated later that year in Memphis while supporting striking sanitation workers, some of whom made as little as 65 cents an hour.<br /><br />Standing in this proud tradition, fast-food workers will strike in cities nationwide tomorrow, demanding a $15 an hour wage and the right to organize without retaliation.<br /><br />These workers won’t be speaking from the stage at the National Mall today, but they are the real heroes honoring the legacy of King. They are confronting the powerful forces that continue to stand in the way of King’s dream – forces that include political and corporate bosses who pretend to celebrate the March on Washington while at the same time dismissing the demands of low-wage workers</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If King were still alive, today he would march. But tomorrow he would be out on the picket line with fast-food workers.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>

fast-food strike low wage workers. walmart March on Washington port strike Tomorrow’s low-wage worker strikes continue King’s fight for good jobs

Today thousands have descended on Washington, D.C, to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. Tomorrow hundreds of fa...

Breaking: LA port truck drivers to return to work after first-ever 24-hour strike!

4:35 PM Tukiyooo 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyiN7DsXIdvDMYgRGjuqsdKefecgriwEG_MvNNfir-LHkzBh1JSPVSAIl95YhuSsDZYYYw5EO77MsvsIerTos-NaG235OR9r1flSEr89D32Wj2CY_oiPZAfHyDoMaxfmlISJjXLodeKTr/s1600/port+strike+talking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyiN7DsXIdvDMYgRGjuqsdKefecgriwEG_MvNNfir-LHkzBh1JSPVSAIl95YhuSsDZYYYw5EO77MsvsIerTos-NaG235OR9r1flSEr89D32Wj2CY_oiPZAfHyDoMaxfmlISJjXLodeKTr/s400/port+strike+talking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port drivers talking to Green Fleet Systems about returning to work. </td></tr></tbody></table>L.A. port truck drivers will return to work after a historic 24-hour strike ended against trucking company Green Fleet Systems. Discussions with management were tense, but now the drivers know they will be back at work tomorrow morning.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Upon hearing the news, the hundreds of supporters who turned out at company headquarters went wild with exuberant cheers. </span><br /><br />The drivers struck to protest unfair labor practices by Green Fleet’s management, including unlawful anti-union retaliation, harassment and intimidation. <br /><br />They walked back to Green Fleet, escorted by faith leaders, to discuss their return. At first they were told they had to have an appointment to talk with managers. Eventually discussions led to an agreement.<br /><br />Shortly after the drivers announced that they would return to work, hundreds of their supporters rallied in front of Green Fleet’s headquarters in Carson, Calif.<br /><br />The short, sudden port truck driver strike will be followed by more job actions by low-wage workers around the country. Fast-food workers in more than 30 U.S. cities are planning to walk off the job on Thursday, and it is likely more short strikes in other industries will follow.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvbB_nIpI-We5h2NL1gkx8aDv__bWx6bxzgOVvAiqrL-GNfhrGlHkZDg_-CP1UuvEnEJvrlM2YpUzs9I9qBmsn72M8rbCf_PK-IDQ7dXFTLdk6i8J0ldPTU-JD1oRl2dvnQiEs3l0FAQL/s1600/port+strike+walkback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvbB_nIpI-We5h2NL1gkx8aDv__bWx6bxzgOVvAiqrL-GNfhrGlHkZDg_-CP1UuvEnEJvrlM2YpUzs9I9qBmsn72M8rbCf_PK-IDQ7dXFTLdk6i8J0ldPTU-JD1oRl2dvnQiEs3l0FAQL/s320/port+strike+walkback.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port truck drivers preparing to walk back to work</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Workers are taking back Labor Day, fighting for dignity and a shot at the American dream.<br />In California, port drivers sent a message to Green Fleet Systems president and owner Gary Mooney that they won’t let the company or its expensive union-busters scare them from building their union. Today’s strike was a big step forward for port drivers and workers everywhere.<br /><br />Though low-wage retail and fast-food workers have captured the nation’s attention, port drivers, too, are forced to work under deplorable conditions and for low wages. Sometimes they work 60 hours a week but still can’t make ends meet.  Most port drivers are unjustly misclassified as “independent contractors” so trucking companies can pass business expenses on to them and avoid paying them for hours worked.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbE6xc8sZxYVSGiQHFtPjAZyjs6S_pW7L3BMfvk6DjmF6p_QWPrjwmbTGul4C5O_KpKsPH9zQOCr9di6bDnSEWedd4bxtGUEIcq3E2N6ne4Qwn2e_igfnOmdUpyw1Mz81_yWfM3SoZw3x/s1600/port+strike+waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbE6xc8sZxYVSGiQHFtPjAZyjs6S_pW7L3BMfvk6DjmF6p_QWPrjwmbTGul4C5O_KpKsPH9zQOCr9di6bDnSEWedd4bxtGUEIcq3E2N6ne4Qwn2e_igfnOmdUpyw1Mz81_yWfM3SoZw3x/s200/port+strike+waiting.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tense wait.</td></tr></tbody></table>Misclassified drivers in California are trying to win back their stolen wages by filing hundreds of claims with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. They are also continuing the fight to be fairly classified as employee drivers.<br /><br />Port truck drivers who are employees are also fighting back. Port drivers for the Toll Group won their first union contract in January, winning significant improvements for their families and on the job. It was the first union contract signed by port truck drivers in 30 years. Since Green Fleet drivers joined the fight, the company retaliated against them with tactics that Region 21 of the National Labor Relations Board has alleged are violations of the federal labor law. Green Fleet drivers struck to protest these unfair labor practices.<br /><div><br /></div>

port strike Breaking: LA port truck drivers to return to work after first-ever 24-hour strike!

Port drivers talking to Green Fleet Systems about returning to work. L.A. port truck drivers will return to work after a historic 24-hour s...

LA port truck drivers on strike picket Green Fleet trucks

2:19 PM Tukiyooo 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG5k46lNwc4-e_uIDMRBLYH-DhaDb5dxuMWqkGnhf1YFkDFuwrjgZFxNudglPkcSEC-8QY7_n6PZFfl_EH-10HFuEqQi4_a2RododNEM30koayrdhkEPiOYz_gpFPIlS1nyosMQqt04mE/s1600/port+strike+bullhorn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG5k46lNwc4-e_uIDMRBLYH-DhaDb5dxuMWqkGnhf1YFkDFuwrjgZFxNudglPkcSEC-8QY7_n6PZFfl_EH-10HFuEqQi4_a2RododNEM30koayrdhkEPiOYz_gpFPIlS1nyosMQqt04mE/s400/port+strike+bullhorn.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L.A. port strike still going strong</td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-port-truck-drivers-strike-20130826,0,7653965.story" rel="nofollow">L.A. port strike</a> at Green Fleet Systems is still going strong as drivers look forward to a large rally at the company headquarters in Carson, Calif., this afternoon.<br /><br />Teams of striking L.A. port truck drivers are following Green Fleet Systems’ trucks and picketing them when they stop to deliver at distribution centers, including the Skechers facility in Moreno Valley. Striking L.A. port truck drivers have picketed scabs everywhere they deliver during the 24-hour strike that began last evening at 5 pm.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvbyDG5UEEFZb8-ZQz4-ecnelnTmZSCWhavO1eV0xFpnbtMnFgztrWHBp7ObKy3UQeg4sruprZIILn6VllipIL5ZlLCuUQy0fl2z92E0NIa3zZkp6HeGqd_lvobAGOlvtMIcTMkoLAQ2T/s1600/port+strike+tuesday+afternoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvbyDG5UEEFZb8-ZQz4-ecnelnTmZSCWhavO1eV0xFpnbtMnFgztrWHBp7ObKy3UQeg4sruprZIILn6VllipIL5ZlLCuUQy0fl2z92E0NIa3zZkp6HeGqd_lvobAGOlvtMIcTMkoLAQ2T/s320/port+strike+tuesday+afternoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They want to be Teamsters!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Delegations of port drivers and their supporters from laity and the community have delivered demand letters to the corporate headquarters of Skechers, Green Fleet’s most lucrative customer. They have also dropped letters at Pacific Enterprise Bank, the company’s main bank. Their message: Green Fleet workers will not allow the company to violate their right to form a union. They demand an end to anti-union harassment and intimidation from their company and its hired union busters.<br /><br />We imagine Gary Mooney, Green Fleet’s president and owner, is reaching for the Advil.<br /><br />The picket line is still standing strong. Earlier today, Labor Community Services of the <a href="http://launionaflcio.org/">LA County Federation of Labor</a> distributed food donations for the strikers and their families. Teamsters are walking the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1395542780671801/">mass rally</a>.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0Q1Ld2rq6VYW60kNI-gUDX8D2KqRXzf_jFUtZxfzPEGwnRi1U4CbufHry-DnbwoVT0Dm-EKrtRWus7SxPBTHJaTPV3D6tRIy0riIuQr4EVeqhmR6RierjJmZzvHstncvQqRxwSEIBvH7/s1600/port+strike+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0Q1Ld2rq6VYW60kNI-gUDX8D2KqRXzf_jFUtZxfzPEGwnRi1U4CbufHry-DnbwoVT0Dm-EKrtRWus7SxPBTHJaTPV3D6tRIy0riIuQr4EVeqhmR6RierjJmZzvHstncvQqRxwSEIBvH7/s200/port+strike+food.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food donations for the striking port drivers.</td></tr></tbody></table>line with the drivers. At 3 pm. hundreds of supporters will gather at the gates of Green Fleet’s main facility in Carson, Calif., for the<br /><br />The L.A. port truck driver strike is just the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-p-hoffa/living-wage-now_b_3823563.html" rel="nofollow">first in a series of actions across the country</a> by workers fed up with their employers’ abuse. Short,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LowPayIsNotOk?fref=ts" rel="nofollow"> fast-food strikes are planned for Thursday</a> in more than 30 cities. Thousands of workers, newly committed to providing a better future for their families and their coworkers, will likely join in similar actions around Labor Day.<br /><br />

port strike LA port truck drivers on strike picket Green Fleet trucks

L.A. port strike still going strong The L.A. port strike at Green Fleet Systems is still going strong as drivers look forward to a large ra...

National support for striking LA port truck drivers as trucks sit idle

1:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

port strike National support for striking LA port truck drivers as trucks sit idle

Support for striking port truck drivers in LA is pouring in from all over the country as Green Fleet Systems trucks stand idle. Teamsters ar...

LA port truck drivers' strike electrifies workers, Teamsters

8:36 AM Tukiyooo 0

<br />Messages of solidarity and support are pouring in for the striking port truck drivers at Green Fleet Systems in Los Angeles. Teamsters have been picketing with the strikers who want to join their union. As the strikers <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/port-truck-drivers-continue-strike.html" rel="nofollow">escalated their picket line this morning</a>, eight television outlets came to report on the historic walkout.<br /><br />From Atlanta, brother Ben Speight tells us:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Savannah Port Driver leaders deliver 150 petition signatures to GREEN FLEET SYSTEMS manager in Garden City, GA this morning- Solidarity with the striking Green Fleet drivers in Los Angeles who are standing up for working rights and a voice on job.</blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f-1NO737ky1b926s7B8GuhxEWLtkqhFwiF02jHyAxQjjvTizqcFEueUXgi6E_wLMkrIHR9Y_ZnWiXdnVnXNlU8JfcL5_9-p8wpYmOMh2ExHrOBctxruBpyHMJg3dSV5y4X_ILTiJSRuO/s1600/port+strike+interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f-1NO737ky1b926s7B8GuhxEWLtkqhFwiF02jHyAxQjjvTizqcFEueUXgi6E_wLMkrIHR9Y_ZnWiXdnVnXNlU8JfcL5_9-p8wpYmOMh2ExHrOBctxruBpyHMJg3dSV5y4X_ILTiJSRuO/s320/port+strike+interview.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 8 TV interviews this morning</td></tr></tbody></table>(We're trying to get the video).<br /><br />Our brothers and sisters are excited by developments in the strike as they're posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamsters" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a>. Here's just a small sample:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Hector Avila</b> Keep strong! Local 986 supports you! </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Kathy Kling</b> Stay strong from Pittsburgh </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Bill Hines</b> You have the support of all Union workers across this country. Stay after them Brothers and Sisters. Working people must stand together. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Matt Voelker</b> Thumbs up from local 431 </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Roger Mcleod</b> Hooray for unions and the workers of America! </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Steven Druley</b> Rock on guys keep fightin for our rights. </blockquote>And here's one we really like, from Brother Kevin Duquet, a member of Teamsters Local 166:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"> Here right now helping out our brother's and sister's on the picket line stay strong local 848!!!</blockquote>And here's a tweet of encouragement from <a href="https://twitter.com/saritasgupta" rel="nofollow">Sarita Gupta</a>, executive director of<a href="http://www.jwj.org/" rel="nofollow"> Jobs With Justice</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Si se puede! </blockquote>

port strike LA port truck drivers' strike electrifies workers, Teamsters

Messages of solidarity and support are pouring in for the striking port truck drivers at Green Fleet Systems in Los Angeles. Teamsters have ...

LA port truck drivers continue strike to end retaliation

7:11 AM Tukiyooo 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwyTzoKEtRSZbCVpixr4LGfQWK2TdtoypT-DgdYMLHffkbtztkA5nmxK_iOVWQmMh5JcdkE0TIc9EBMzkWk9AfzfToc3tiTooVU-6AY0-OdApu2IFh4DY5xQ0hUL_qxKl9SPiES32dOY6/s1600/portstrike+tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwyTzoKEtRSZbCVpixr4LGfQWK2TdtoypT-DgdYMLHffkbtztkA5nmxK_iOVWQmMh5JcdkE0TIc9EBMzkWk9AfzfToc3tiTooVU-6AY0-OdApu2IFh4DY5xQ0hUL_qxKl9SPiES32dOY6/s400/portstrike+tuesday.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port truck drivers escalate pickets at 5 am today in Carson, Calif.</td></tr></tbody></table>L.A. port truck drivers are standing strong this morning against their abusive employer, Green Fleet Systems, as they continue their 24 hour unfair labor practice strike. The <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/LA-port-drivers-strike.html" rel="nofollow">strike began</a> at 5 pm yesterday when workers walked off the job in protest of Green Fleet’s unlawful retaliation against them. They are fighting for respect, dignity, and a living wage through a union contract with the <a href="file:///C:/Users/miller_leslie/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/HR9GZ1HX/teamster.org">International Brotherhood of Teamsters</a>.<br /><br />Drivers are picketing outside Green Fleet System’s headquarters in Carson, Calif., along with their Teamster brothers and sisters. A candlelight vigil last night, led by port drivers and clergy, kept spirits high – as well as hopes that their prayers for justice will be answered.<br /><br />“We are fighting for the dignity we have earned as hard working men,” said worker.  “Today, I hold my head high and stand with my brothers on strike and in our fight for justice at Green Fleet Systems. Together we will get the respect we deserve.”<br /><br />The strike is getting heavy news coverage. Ricardo Lopez at the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-port-truck-drivers-strike-20130826,0,7653965.story" rel="nofollow">Los Angeles Times</a> reported:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Thirty port truck drivers went on strike Monday night at a Carson-based trucking firm, alleging their employer is attempting to thwart their efforts to unionize, organizers said... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Protesters on Monday began picketing the trucking firm Green Fleet Systems outside its Carson facility, located about eight miles north of the Port of Long Beach.  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Organizers also plan to follow Green Fleet trucks to warehouses and distribution centers in the Inland Empire to picket trucks as they deposit goods at their destinations. </blockquote>The port drivers’ daring strike kicks off what is expected to be an intense period of <a href="http://greensburgdailynews.com/local/x312413061/Low-wage-workers-set-for-nationwide-walkout">labor unrest among low-wage non-union workers</a>, many of whom are immigrants. Workers across the nation are fed up and rising up to demand dignity and respect.  In Los Angeles, port drivers are defending their right to fight for respect and a livable wage, a right that is protected under the law.<br /><br />The union busting tactics used by Green Fleet are, sadly, typical of corporations that illegally deny workers their rights to keep them at poverty wages. As <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-22/proving-ceos-overpaid-for-luck-helped-stir-pay-backlash.html">CEO compensation reaches obscene heights</a>, most jobs created since the end of the 2008 recession pay low wages.<br /><br />Labor Community Services will distribute food donations for the strikers and their families. The strike will end this afternoon with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1395542780671801/">mass rally of hundreds of supporters</a>.<br /><br />Check back this afternoon for an update on the strike.<br /><br /><br />