If you are a harbor truck driver, you understand just how grueling the position may be.
It means that the employees are willing to work hard for long hours, have unpredictable schedules and always operate in crowded ports.
But what if you are asked if you can alter that at all? What if, if one could work without the fear of losing their life,
be paid a decent wage, and even be able to speak out for oneself at the workplace? The remedy that has been
highlighted today is just as effective strategy of unionizing for the harbor truck drivers and can lead to these and many other advantages.
The Challenges Facing Harbor Truck Drivers
Truck drivers working at the harbor are exposed to several obstacles that make their work environment unproductive and stressful.
Drivers receive low wages which are not steady, have long working hours and under whatever conditions they prefer.
Inconsistent Pay: Most of the truck driving jobs at harbor pay by the load transported hence;
the income may fluctuate through the week. Because the income is irregular it becomes difficult to set aside money
for expenses such as bills and other necessities.
Safety Concerns: Indeed it is quite a risky assignment as it is carried out in some of the world’s busiest ports.
Drivers of the trucks experience challenges of tight areas and have to negotiate other large machinery that delivers the similar results as mentioned above.
Job Insecurity: However, when the truck drivers offer their service without representation of the union, they can easily be fired or abused. Employees may also have to deal with nasty bosses who do not have their employees best interest in mind and may end up firing them.
The Benefits of Unionizing
This paper has shown that unionizing can be an effective strategy for harbor truck drivers assuming the means of production and enhancing their circumstances. Here are some key benefits that come with joining a union:
1. Collective Bargaining Power
That’s why when over the wheel people come together the common thing they get is a louder voice. Collecting bargaining is a vital process in which unions consult employers in order to get improved wages, terms of Employment, and conditions of work. While operations of a driver in their own capacity are common, a union gives a driver a louder voice.
Example: A union can compel an employer to a reasonable hourly rate which matters because a driver wages should reflect all the hours they spend on the road or working as opposed to the number of loads transported.
2. Job Security
Job security is one of the biggest advantages that employees reap once they join a particular union. Union aims to defend its members from discrimination and dismissal of employees. On the same note, they set certain firewalls that employers cannot evade, thereby reducing unfair dismissals.
Example: If a truck driver is to be let go the union make sure that there are procedures to be followed before the termination process is effected. This protection does help give drivers piece of mind.