Drayage drivers end strike against Pacific 9 Transportation

Port truck drivers continue their strike against five companies, seeking recognition as employees.    Port truck drivers seeking recognition as employees said Wednesday they would end a strike against Pacific 9 Transportation, citing “progress in confidential discussions between the Teamsters and the company” in talks facilitated by the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
   “No retaliation for concerted union activity has been reported by Pac 9 drivers thus far,” said the group, which is seeking to have independent owner-operators who work as drayage drivers recognized as employees.
   The Teamster-affiliated group Justice for Port Drivers said drivers from five other companies would remain on strike. Those companies are Pacer Cartage, Harbor Rail Transport, QTS Inc., LACA Express and WinWin Logistics.
   The drivers are picketing marine and intermodal rail terminals. Striking drivers held a rally at the Long Beach container terminal operated by International Transportation Service, saying trucks from the companies it is targeting were continuing to work there.
   The Teamster group said striking port truck drivers and union leaders addressed the Long Beach City Council Wednesday to ask for support in their fight against trucking companies.