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by builder123
Monday, May. 10, 2004 at 10:34 AM
****LAIMC Report Back****
South Gate CA May 8th 2004
Caught in an economic ripsaw of rising prices and no representative voice harbor independent truckers met at a park in South Gate. Approximately two hundred truckers had gathered around an amp and microphone as many in the group came forward to express their thoughts in dealing with the deepening hardship griping their profession.
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Above: Harbor trucker speaks to LA Indymedia Against this backdrop the selection process for a leader and course of action was taking place. The drivers were quick to mention they are not interested in casting blame for the dire situation on any one thing, but view the problem as a systematic one with relief being needed from the workplace as well as the capitol. It was believed by many that an organization representing independent truckers would be formed within a week ready to prescribe further action. As events unfold the truckers hope the Independent Media Center will help get the word out. Stream Conversation with Trucker Part 1 duration 00:07:53 Part 2 duration 00:08:21 Part 3 duration 00:07:59 Download Conversation with Trucker Part 1 http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/05/109892.php Part 2 http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/05/109887.php Part 3 http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/05/109886.php
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by builder123
Monday, May. 10, 2004 at 10:34 AM
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many in the group came forward
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by Ernesto Nevarez
Tuesday, May. 11, 2004 at 12:42 PM
ejnevarez@earthlink.net
The meeting was polarized between the "new" leadership and the pro-union forces. The guy with the microphone curtailed any suggestion of a solidarity strike with the brothers in Oakland and unilaterally decided that we would not be part of the union movement but rather an association of some type.
The pro-union forces stepped aside and caucus and agreed to give the new leaders and their new organization an no confidence vote. Instead, we will continue collective organizing and utilize our withholding our labor as a key weapon. We are employees.
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by Ernesto Nevarez
Wednesday, May. 19, 2004 at 7:19 PM
ejnevarez@earthlink.net
The ACLU in Southern California is forwarding the information to the Northern California ACLU regarding the TRO. They called today and hopefully expect a call from up north tomorrow. The boulevard: line drivers driving between LA and Oakland, Vegas, and Phoenix. Are having a meeting this Saturday at 10 am at South Gate Park. There will be no microphones, leaders, directors, or associations according to El Guardura, just a bunch of troqueros who want to take action. Public support is always welcomed but please respect their self-determination. Word is getting out that the normally 3 day memorial day weekend will be a 4 day weekend for the line drivers. Tuesday Night at Banning Park: About 35 participants. Denounced the actions of the new association for all the damage that they have done. Will be supporting the blvd drivers by attending Saturday's meeting in South Gate. Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana presented their position paper to the State Legislature, which I will not criticize for detailed inaccuracies but am including by itself in a separate post. The fact that more of the community is showing public support for the unionization of troqueros is a sign that this movement is just gaining momentum. Hermandad and MAPA are old-time community organizations that state politicians listen to and are a very important allies. Their position paper to the State Legislature will make a strong impact for the better. Another troquero showed up with a position paper "Propuesta para industria del transporte en California" asking that we organize and set rates like "....aprovechar este momento historico, para implantar una tarifa pareja y justa para todos, tal como lo hacen los transportistas en nuestros paises de origen..." back in the home country in which the Sherman Act is non-existant. The point is that a troquero, most likely working from the Cab of his rig, went through a lot of trouble to prepare the proposal along with rates and bill of ladings. This movement is very widespread and not disappearing. Oakland drivers have shown interest in meeting with Los Angeles troqueros in the very near future possibly in Fresno. Fresno: Another group of troqueros are organizing inspired by April 30. Most likely in the fields. We need more info. North East Coast: Diesel is shooting sky-high very fast. Word is reaching us that there are flyers circulating for a weeklong shutdown prior to the 4th of July. Will try to confirm. We need more info. Will keep u all updated as much as possible.
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