70+ LA port drivers on strike in protest of pay change, rising health insurance

More than 70 Port of Los Angeles truck drivers on strike demonstrated Thursday in protest of changes in pay and rising health insurance costs. 

The Southern Counties Express drivers on strike gathered outside the Compton area truck depot in California at around 5 a.m. on Thursday, February 20th to demand contract negotiations. 

“They forced us to change our pay so, we were hourly and now we’re pay-per-load,” participating truck driver Jocelyn said to KTLA. “They’re increasing our health insurance from $30 a week, for me, a family of three, to give or take $180 a week.” 

Jocelyn and the other drivers say that the pay change was not in their contracts. 

“We work out of the ports … We used to get about $31 per hour and now we’re getting paid per load, some of the rates are about $20 depending on location,” she continued.

The trucking company released the following statement regarding the demonstration: 

“Southern Counties Express is disappointed in the union’s decision to strike. The company has explained its financial hardships to the union and the union ignored our pleas for help. The company has enacted its best offer, which included several items requested from the union.

Under the company’s offer, many drivers are receiving higher pay. And those who do not like the offer have the option to take a voluntary buyout.

Southern Counties Express will do everything in its power to protect our customers and the job security of our team members. The Company’s door remains open for further bargaining with the union.“

“We’re hoping to make an impact on them and we’re hoping that this will give us an opportunity to renegotiate,” Jocelyn added.