Port truck driver strike kicks off week of planned labor action

At least 15 port truck drivers seeking to unionize at a Carson-based firm went on strike Monday night, kicking off a week’s worth of planned labor actions.

Labor groups organizing strikes and rallies are aiming to draw attention to low-wage workers in industries including fast food and logistics.

On Monday, port truck drivers picketed outside Green Fleet Systems’ Carson facility. They allege their employer has tried intimidating workers in an effort to discourage them from organizing. An attorney for the company denied the charge.

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The strike is expected to last 24 hours ending in a rally Tuesday night.

Also on Tuesday, Los Angeles County service workers are planning a lunchtime rally at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles. Protesters are calling on county supervisors to raise the minimum wage.

On Wednesday, the Service Employees International Union is planning a march and rally at Los Angeles International Airport. Organizers said they expect 200 or more airport workers and supporters to attend. The march will begin at the airport’s administrative offices and end at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

On Thursday, fast food workers in Los Angeles will join workers from eight other cities in a day of strikes. Workers are pushing for an increase in their hourly wage.

As my colleague Tiffany Hsu reported last week:

“The protests, part of a nationwide day of strikes called for Aug. 29, would be the latest in a series of one-day, rolling walkouts that have occurred in major cities in recent weeks. Workers have picketed McDonald’s, KFC and Taco Bell and other restaurants during peak mealtimes to demand better pay and the right to organize.”

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