The trucking industry is in a state of conflict right now. Deregulation has resulted in many companies undercutting each other for business. As a result, truckers have been looking for a way to wrangle better rates that reflect the actual cost of their services. Some drivers are striking out against the government in an attempt to secure their rights.
The trucking industry is not an easy sector to organize and strike. The 1.8 million long-haul truck drivers move 71% of America’s freight. Many of these drivers were unionized before deregulation. While the industry has always been difficult to organize, most strikes only take place because enough union members vote to stop working and create a strike.
Truck drivers have been talking about a nationwide strike for years. They have posted angry statements on social media sites, but that hasn’t done much to coalesce them into a united force. But the recent events have brought home how crucial trucking is. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public applauded the truckers for their selflessness. The drivers took pride in their patriotic duty to supply our nation.
Why are Truckers Striking?
The question is, “Why are truck drivers on strike?” In California, independent truck drivers are protesting actions taken by large trucking companies. The action is a response to the lack of a union contract and the low wages and benefits that truck drivers receive. However, it is important to note that the strikers are just a small portion of the entire workforce. If the action spreads, it could drastically affect trade between the U.S. and Asia.
Many independent truckers are planning to strike on Nov. 11 over a wide range of issues. These include rising diesel fuel prices, higher qualifications for retaining a driver’s license, and low pay. Independent truckers have circulated fliers in truck stops and have organized a network of toll-free phone numbers for coordination purposes.
Independent truck drivers have essentially shut down the Port of Oakland in California. They say the new law will force them to work full-time and eliminate their freedom of choice. They also argue that costs for permits and insurance will skyrocket. As a result, truckers say, if this law goes into effect, they’ll have no choice but to move elsewhere.
Why are Korean Truckers Protesting?
It is unclear why Korean truck drivers are protesting, although their protests began as early as March. The protests began as partial strikes in Cheongju and Icheon and later became full strikes. In addition, there were picket lines at HiteJinro’s plant in Hongcheon. The truckers’ union has said that they are protesting fuel prices and demand guaranteed minimum wage.
The South Korean transport ministry said it is in talks with the union and urged the truckers to return to work. The government has also stepped in, enacting emergency measures, such as consigning a hundred military cargo trucks and 21 vehicles owned by local government agencies to transport goods.
South Korea’s trade ministry said the protests cost businesses 1.6 trillion won, which is US$1.2 billion. The government has tried to stay neutral, but has limited itself to saying that “illegal actions will be dealt with according to law.” However, the situation could turn ugly if the government does nothing.
Why are Truckers Striking in California?
Truckers are striking in California over a new worker classification law that would make it harder for companies to use the independent contractor model. The law, called Assembly Bill 5, codifies three factors that determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The truckers believe that the law would have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods, so they are striking against the law to protect their rights.
A recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, but the truckers say the law will force them to become employees and eliminate their freedom to run their own businesses. In addition, truckers say they will face higher insurance and permit costs. They want a meeting with California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss the law.
Truck drivers in the port of Oakland have blocked cargo movements in and out of the port. Their protests, which have lasted several days, are intended to pressure the governor to change the law. In the meantime, they plan to continue their strike until the governor meets to address the issue.
What are California Truckers Protesting?
A group of California truckers are protesting a new law that would regulate the industry and put 70,000 independent truckers out of business. The truckers claim the proposed law will hurt their business and exacerbate supply chain issues, like port backlogs. They say they don’t want to put themselves and their families at risk by taking away their right to drive.
Truckers are also protesting a new labor law that would ensure a more equitable wage and better benefits for drivers. This labor law is aimed at addressing wage and benefit disparities, but the new law is facing legal challenges. The truckers want a fair pay scale and the right to work from home.
Despite the obstacles to a free market in California, truckers want to keep their rights as independents. They say that the state has failed to respond adequately to their concerns about the bill’s effects on supply chains. They blame Newsom for signing a gun control package and a piece-de-resistance bill last week. The new laws allow California citizens to sue gun makers and manufacturers for damages caused by illegal firearms.
Do Us Truckers Have to Be Vaccinated?
The trucking industry is protesting the new COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The new mandate would require cross-border truckers to be fully vaccinated or risk being refused entry. This could cripple the supply chain. Until now, the Trump administration had allowed truckers to cross land borders without having to be vaccinated. Now, the mandate will overrule this exception. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Canada is the third largest supplier of goods to the U.S. and is the biggest export market. In 2019, goods and services trade with Canada was valued at $718.4 billion.
The mandate has caused protests in Canada, where truckers are prohibited from crossing the border unless they are fully vaccinated. This is different from Mexico, where truckers aren’t required to be vaccinated. The impact on the freight industry has been felt almost immediately. As a result, prices are soaring and fewer drivers are available. This shortage translates into long waits for available trucks, and a ground backlog similar to those in the ocean freight ports.
What Religion is in South Korea?
South Korea, formerly a Confucian and shamanistic country, is now awash with evangelical Christianity. The skyline is dotted with neon crosses and there are more churches than you can count, from corner store chapels to the country’s largest church. Evangelical Christians go door to door, pass out church-emblazoned tissue packets and cycle through the city shouting sermons.
The percentage of South Koreans who profess religion varies widely, although the older people tend to be more religious. Buddhists make up the largest proportion of believers, followed by Protestants and Catholics. The youngest South Koreans are less religious and have no affiliation with any group. Still, Christians make up a significant portion of the population and have significant influence on social issues.
South Korea has the largest evangelical Christian community outside the US. It also has one of the world’s largest megachurches, with over 200,000 people in attendance each week. However, Buddhism is still a significant part of the Korean spiritual landscape and has influenced the country on many levels. Though it remains a minority religion in a secular society, its presence is growing. It’s estimated that 15.5% of the country’s population are Buddhists.
Are Lorry Drivers Going on Strike?
Independent truck drivers are threatening to go on strike Sunday to protest rising diesel fuel prices, higher requirements to keep their driver’s license, and low wages. While Spencer is not directly involved in the strike effort, he is closely monitoring the situation so that he can advise his members. The strike would affect approximately 4.5 million commercial drivers and 500,000 independent owner-operators. The American Trucking Associations, which represents trucking companies, expects a small number of employee drivers to join the protest.
The Teamsters union negotiated rates for union members and other drivers. The union also negotiated the National Master Freight Agreement, which set standards for wages and working conditions for truck drivers across the country. At the time, driver pay and benefits were middle-class. That made a nationwide strike seem like a frightening proposition.
While the trucking industry has many unions, this industry has been largely deregulated. Deregulation has increased costs for consumers and lowered competition. However, deregulation has not lowered the wages of truckers.
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