While trucker protests are no longer blocking the flow of goods at the busy Port of Oakland, port officials are still hoping a California district court judge will take action to prevent future efforts to create a logjam there as retailers gear up for the 2022 peak holiday season.
Truck drivers blocked the Port of Oakland Monday, protesting California’s AB5 law that requires contractors to be reclassified as employees. The law affects an estimated 70,000 independent truckers, many of whom fear losing their livelihood, according to various media reports. There were similar protests last week in LA/Long Beach.
The California Trucking Association (CTA) is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to ignore the recommendation of the California attorney general and instead review an appellate court decision upholding the state’s AB5 law, which calls for recognition of contract drivers as employees.
Frontline workers have been the focus for the past two years. This term conjures up a variety of images, and until now truck drivers were probably not one of the first that came to mind. Drivers have been overlooked and overworked and in high demand throughout this pandemic – among the unsung heroes now getting their due.
Pouring more water into its moat, Amazon has totally eliminated shipping charges this holiday season, removing the $25 threshold for non-Prime members on items ordered in time for Christmas delivery. Amazon is also hiring and managing thousands of seasonal delivery drivers to handle the holiday crush.
As last-mile delivery startups abound, should they use uniforms like established parcel delivery services? Here are 4 reason why uniforms still matter.