"We're fighting for basic human rights," said Robert Bates, an owner-operator port trucker and president of United Container Mover's Association of Charleston. "We're already starving to death.

" The Oct. 4 protest is expected to involve port truckers from an estimated 50 countries organized by The International Transport Workers Federation, a worldwide group of unions representing more than 100 countries, said Ron Carver, a spokesman for the Teamsters Port Division.

"We want to be in solidarity with drivers around the world protesting high fuel prices, long hours and low pay," he said.

United Container Movers Association of Jacksonville President Tony Fernandez said the only way "to make a change is to get the attention of politicians and the public." "Most workers have rights and somebody to turn to; we have no one to turn to," he said. "Now that we've got the Teamsters behind us, everything's coming to a head." The Oct. 4 protest follows several port job actions in California, Savannah and most recently in Nashville, Tenn.

Around 50 protesters staged a strike outside Nashville's Bridge Terminal Transport Sept. 18 according to Tony Turner, a spokesman for the strikers. "We can't afford to operate," he said. "We're gonna get our money and we're gonna stay here until we get it because we can't afford to go anywhere.

"California Trucking Association President Warren Hoemann said the truckers are dealing with "large companies with lots of bargaining power that can get loads moved cheap."

"Fuel prices are so high, truck drivers cannot make money," he said. "Ports are the narrowest margin of making a living because of the fierce competition." Jim Stewart, a Savannah Port Truckers spokesman, said "The most important thing is that all the port truckers are in unity across the country."

--By Susy Phillips
--Trucker staff

September 21, 2000  
 
 
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