Port Truckers Threaten Another Strike

November 1, 1999 9:46 AM, EST

Owner-operators working at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., are ready to strike again if their demands for union recognition and fair pay are not met, a union representative said Oct. 28.

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	Union Says 1-Day Seattle Protest Is First in Series of Job Actions (Oct. 27) Union Steps Up Pressure in Seattle (Oct. 25) Port Truckers Threaten to Strike (Oct. 20) Renewed Port Hauler Strike Looms (Sept. 29) Seattle Truckers Hope for Wage Deal (Aug. 24) (Note: To return to this story, click the "Back" button on your browser.)

Container haulers picketed the American President Lines terminal at the Port of Seattle Oct. 21 to draw attention to their grievances about working conditions at the port. They are seeking direct talks with representatives of the ports, the trucking companies, the steamship lines and the terminal managers, but to date have only been able to meet with port representatives.

“Teamster drivers are prepared to continue with direct action such as last week’s until our 10 Points of Justice are addressed,” said Jonathan Rosenblum, director of Seattle Union Now, an AFL-CIO-affiliated organization. “We have an active dialogue going with both the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, but in order to make a breakthrough we’re going to need to see some dialogue with terminal operators.”

The Seattle driver actions follow a significant victory in Vancouver, British Columbia, earlier this year by port truckers who forced trucking companies to agree to an hourly wage system and other concessions.