Trucker protests that started last Monday over the implementation of AB5 law, have shut down operations at shipping terminals at the Port of Oakland. The shutdown is expected to further exacerbate the container congestion at the West Coast port. Port officials are highlighting the need for terminal operations to resume.
Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of Oakland: “We understand the frustration expressed by the protestors at California ports. But, prolonged stoppage of port operations in California for any reason will damage all the businesses operating at the ports and cause California ports to further suffer market share losses to competing ports.”
The trucker’s issue is the AB5 law. Truckers claim that the law makes it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, who are entitled to minimum wage and benefits such as workers' compensation, overtime and sick pay.
Source: reuters.com
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