Managers and business executives have claimed that automation is essential for productivity enhancement, but in most cases, its primary purpose is to reduce the expenses that are incurred on employees and undermine their strength. Automated cranes, AI-driven cargo systems, and robotic vehicles are reducing the need for human dockworkers. Companies invest in automation without worker […]
계속 읽기Most of the problems affecting the port workers today stem from the corporate imperatives that are as follows: Negotiate low wages and maintain the cost of labor as a way of keeping the costs as low as possible. Undermine unions so as to reduce bargaining power of unions. Prevent laws that would prevent worker misclassification, […]
계속 읽기However, the unions are facing different challenges from the companies as well as from the policymaker at the current time. Based on the above-discussed challenges some of the major challenges are as follows; Anti-union legislation – Some states are passing laws that make it harder for workers to organize and strike. Corporate union-busting tactics – […]
계속 읽기Since the inception of the twentieth century, labor unions have been the most effective means of protection of longshoremen, harbor workers, and port truck drivers. These unions have played a role in an industry controlled by large shipping companies and firms to demand better wages, safe working conditions, and job security. But now that the […]
계속 읽기It is important to note that port truck drivers have not been idle while the above exploitation was going on. They have gone to the extent of resorting to strikes, demonstrations, and even court cases in a bid to be accorded fairness. Some key victories include: California’s AB5 Law (2019): This law was intended to […]
계속 읽기Despite decades of struggle, longshoremen and port truck drivers still face corporate resistance, government inaction, and economic instability. Strikes and protests continue—in major ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York, workers have taken action to demand fair contracts. Unions fight against automation—the ILWU and ILA push for agreements that ensure workers are retrained […]
계속 읽기The 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike can be considered as one of the most important events in the American labor history with Harry Bridges and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Dockworkers demanded: Fair hiring practices to eliminate favoritism and bribery. Better wages and working conditions to protect workers from injury and exploitation. Union recognition […]
계속 읽기Longshoremen on the other hand are involved in handling the cargos at the docks while the port truck drivers or the drayage drivers are in charge of transporting the goods to the storage facilities and depots. It is through these drivers that products that are transported in ships are transferred to the stores. However, port […]
계속 읽기Each day, millions of products are imported into the United States, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy and makes sure that stores are supplied. But, upon review of such a sophisticated system of operation, one cannot fail to notice that the life of these workers is demeaning, and this is evidenced by […]
계속 읽기The American Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Union (ALHWU) is central in the defense of workers’ rights in the maritime industry. In order to provide further information about the purpose, activities, and outcomes of the union here, are answered some of the common questions regarding the organization. What is the purpose of the ALHWU? The ALHWU […]
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