Major Trucking Protest Movement Enters Its Second Day

Truck drivers have turned out in Florida for the second straight day to protest unfair labor practices.

Yesterday’s Protest Puts Focus On Driver Pay And Over Regulation

Yesterday, hundreds of truck drivers turned out for a protest that began with a planned convoy from Miami to Tallahassee. Protesters brought traffic to a standstill near the Florida State Capitol for about 15 minutes. Two truckers were arrested for blocking an intersection, resisting arrest, and interfering with the arrest of another person during this protest.

Following these arrests, hundreds of truckers and their supporters shut down Okeechobee Road in Hialeah Gardens during the evening commute.

Trucker Tased Twice During Yesterday’s Demonstrations

During this protest, police say that a group of truck drivers surrounded troopers who were trying to detain a woman. They say that 48 year old driver Luis Calderon Martinez would not let go of the woman and that he struck one of the officers. He was tased twice and then arrested. He is facing charges of resisting an officer with violence and battery on a police officer.

Calderon’s daughter did not approve of how the police handled the situation with her father: “I feel like they are treating him like an animal. I think cops should see the hard work these truckers go through every day of their lives.”

Protesters Return For Second Day

Today’s ‘s protest does not appear to include a blockade, but the Florida Highway Patrol has warned motorists to avoid the area as the protesters return to Okeechobee Road.

The protesters forced authorities to shut down Okeechobee Road again today.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Sources:
CBS Miami
Local 10
WSVN