A recent labor dispute has many truck drivers wondering, “Why are Trucks Going on Strike?” It is an industry that is undergoing unprecedented change, with over 1.8 million long-haul drivers moving roughly 71% of all the country’s freight. During the 1970s, many drivers were unionized, but the deregulation act passed in 1980 changed all that. Today, many truck drivers aren’t able to go on strike, and most haven’t.
The KCTU is a union of truck drivers. The union says the COVID-19 vaccine mandate has no legitimate basis in law. But truckers aren’t alone in their struggle. Rank-and-file committees have been established in dozens of unions around the country. By forming rank-and-file committees, the drivers will take control of their own struggle and extend it to nurses, logistic workers, and other workers facing similar conditions.
If truckers were to strike, it could severely impact transportation, federal operations, commercial facilities, and emergency services. The new rule on COVID-19 vaccinations has been a source of protest for truckers in Canada for the past two weeks. Despite the new requirement, truckers have also rallied in the past against mask mandates, lockdowns, and other restrictions on gatherings. However, if they choose to strike, it may be the best chance to influence future political decisions.
Did Truck Drivers Go on Strike?
Did truck drivers go on strike? The answer may surprise you. Many of the drivers are independent contractors. They are pursuing their own agenda. They want to form unions and collectively bargain with their employers. Despite this, truck drivers are forbidden to form a union and negotiate with their employers in the same way as other employees. They also cannot form a labor union if they own a truck. They are excluded from antitrust laws.
The trucking industry was deregulated in the 1980s, and companies undercut each other to lure shippers. Because of this, many independent truckers sought deregulation to enter new markets and wrangle higher rates. However, since nearly a third of truck drivers are owner-operators, nationwide strikes by them may violate antitrust laws. Nonetheless, it’s a reasonable question to ask. Do these strikes make sense for everyone?
Why Did Truck Drivers Quit?
Why did truck drivers quit their jobs? According to a recent survey, the number one reason for women leaving the industry was personal safety. In a white paper published by the Women in Trucking (WIT) organization, a survey of women drivers revealed that more than half reported receiving verbally offensive remarks. Approximately 28% reported receiving multiple verbal threats. About 39% reported receiving unwanted physical advances. And nearly 4% reported experiencing rape. This is an alarming statistic.
Poor pay and poor working conditions have been cited as a reason for drivers’ dissatisfaction. But there is a more significant factor. The Hechinger Report interviewed 30 drivers, including 15 who had attended training programs. In that study, nearly half left before their contracts were up. In one case, a trucker was given only four days off at home in four months. The report highlights the problems with truck leasing, and calls for a task force to investigate the problem.
Are Truck Drivers Going Away?
The reason the trucking industry is struggling is largely because the industry used to pay well, but the low wages in this day and age make it unprofitable for many drivers to make a living. The shortage will only get worse as trucking companies are forced to increase wages to retain a quality workforce and drive up efficiency. While trucking companies are not going away, some may go out of business because of the shortage of skilled drivers.
The American trucking industry is a growing one, with nearly a half-million people trained each year. Yet the entry-level jobs are awful and pay is significantly lower than in 1970. With automation and outsourcing, many blue-collar jobs have been eliminated. Many big trucking companies burn out drivers quickly, making entry-level jobs unattractive to many people. As a result, many are turning to other industries or other types of work for better pay and job security.
Are Truckers on Strike in France?
Why Are Truckers on Strike in France? A nationwide strike by truckers is a response to the recent increases in diesel prices. The strike, which is expected to last indefinitely, has already caused traffic gridlock across France and northern European cities. Truckers say that their conditions are not acceptable and demand better pay. Some have suggested that it is a matter of pride for truck drivers to be on strike for their right to work flexibly.
French road haulers and fishing crews have blocked roads and set up temporary barricades in order to prevent traffic. Truckers in Germany have also taken to the streets to protest high fuel prices. Meanwhile, in Greece, hundreds of farmers have blocked traffic in central Athens by waving black flags and holding vegetables. The protesters plan to head to the parliament building in the capital. The strikes are a symbol of the strained relationship between the government and truckers in France.
Are Truck Drivers Overworked?
Truckers are required to follow federal regulations about hours of service. Hours of service laws are designed to keep drivers alert and fresh while on the road. Nevertheless, many drivers ignore them and risk their health and the safety of other motorists. While the law is designed to protect both the driver and the public, it has become an issue of controversy in the trucking industry. Regardless of the reasons, truck drivers should be aware of the potential ramifications of working too much.
Overworked truck drivers are more prone to make mistakes on the road. Their fatigue can impair their judgment and cause serious accidents. They may even miss signals from other motorists. These mistakes can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. This is why it is crucial for truck drivers to seek legal assistance. In such a case, an attorney can help them pursue the compensation they deserve. By seeking legal advice, truck drivers can protect their rights under the law and hold employers accountable for their inequities.
What are the Truckers Protesting in DC?
What are the truckers protesting in DC this week? A recent trucker convoy in Canada inspired a Californian group to make a similar protest. The People’s Convoy will depart from Adelanto Stadium in Southern California and make a 10-state journey to the Beltway area. Stops will include Arizona, Ohio, and Hagerstown, Maryland. The group has also called for the end of mandates to receive vaccines.
While the protests aren’t effective, they’re still a step forward. While the People’s Convoy wasn’t a success, it did raise public awareness about the anti-vaccine mandates protest movement. The organizers, however, have a long way to go. They’ve also raised more money than they planned to, but for now, their efforts seem to be working.
The convoy members are divided into two groups. The American Freedom Convoy consists of members mostly from the Midwest and will arrive in Washington, DC, on March 7. The convoy participants all share a common demand: ending the Covid-19 mandates that cause truckers to have to wear a mask. Meanwhile, the People’s Convoy aims to end the economic hardships that truckers face every day.
Are Truck Drivers Boycotting Colorado?
A new social media campaign is encouraging truckers to boycott Colorado, as the state has sent a truck driver to prison for a century-long crime. A number of videos have been circulated on social media in which truckers stop at state borders and say they will not drive into Colorado. It is unclear what the motivation is behind the boycott, but it is likely a protest against the sentencing of a semi-truck driver.
Social media is exploding with TikTok posts from truck drivers who are opposed to the sentence for the Houston truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, who was convicted in Colorado of causing a fiery crash that killed four people. The trucker’s company is based in Houston, but it is not affiliated with the state’s government. The driver was sentenced to 110 years in jail, which has been widely criticized as too harsh.
Prosecutors are asking the judge to reconsider the harsh sentence. Some truck drivers have also stopped in Colorado due to inclement weather. In addition to social media posts, the #notruckscolorado hashtag has been shared on many websites. Despite the risks of this new protest, truckers must stay united. The public, meanwhile, must be made aware of the impact their actions will have on the supply chain.
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