After a six-month contract dispute with one of the major hauling firms that moves cargo out of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, dozens of Teamsters drivers have gone on strike.
70 unionized drivers walked off the job on Thursday at Southern Counties Express’ Compton facility, claiming the company’s contract proposals are a regression from the benefits won in previous contracts.
“It’s not about the drivers wanting more money or wanting more benefits,” Eric Tate with Teamsters Local 848 told KNX News’ Pete Demetriou. “It's been 100% about the company taking stuff away from them that they got in the last contract.”
The truckers claim the firm reduced their salaries by almost 30% while forcing them to pay more for health benefits. Tate also said the company wants to reduce vacation time and stop paying into employees’ retirement funds.
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In a statement, SCE officials said they’ve advised the union of their financial difficulties and have offered voluntary buyouts for drivers unsatisfied with current working conditions.
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