googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); FedEx Corp. defused a threat by its delivery contractors to walk off the job on Black Friday in protest of dwindling profits as a trade group representing disgruntled logistics company owners disbanded. The bulletin, obtained by CBS News, says the convoy could then head east, perhaps reaching Washington, D.C. in time for President Biden's State of the Union address on March 1. Deregulation laws were justified because they reportedly saved consumers money, but at the cost of truckers wages and working conditions. "If the port got affected, the government will listen and they will have to," said trucker Sandeep Singh. A group of US trucker convoys inspired by the weeks-long demonstrations north of the border are joining protests against COVID-19 restrictions and mandates in several cities. googletag.cmd.push(function() { (Photo/M J M via Flickr) While calls for truckers to strike in response to high fuel prices are more common than many Americans may realize, a group of . The convoy will potentially begin in California early as mid-February, potentially impacting the Super Bowl scheduled for 13 February and the State of the Union address scheduled for 1 March, according to a memo obtained by The Hill. DHS is tracking reports of a potential convoy that may be planning to travel to several U.S. cities. The White House is watching the situation at the bridge very closely and the president is focused on it, Psaki said on Wednesday. Its time for #AmericanTruckers to stand with truckers all over the world. On Monday, a FreightWaves poll on social media asked truckers if they were aware of the StopTheTires2020 campaign and if they supported it. Clarissa has covered all aspects of the trucking industry for 14 years. When its time to retire, will you be ready? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning law enforcement partners of planneddemonstrations among truck drivers to protest vaccine mandates that could disrupt both the Super Bowl and President Bidens first State of the Union address. In the years 2008 thru 2016 domestic oil production increased 40% under Obama-Biden. Copyright 2023 Market Realist. We are professional drivers, and there needs to be some changes in the industry we chose as a career It is unclear how many people or trucks will be participating in the convoys. Some of their posts are below: But there was little evidence that these stoppages had any impact. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; The Grid reported on Tuesday that a GoFundMe page for the Canadian truckers, which raised more than $8 million before it was shuttered, could have been influenced by right-wing donors in the U.S.. Other Freedom Convoys in Europe, including groups in France and Belgium, resulted in demonstrators blocking traffic and law enforcement responding with tear gas and arrests. The convoy will potentially begin in California early as mid-February, potentially impacting the Super Bowl scheduled for 13 February and the State of the Union address scheduled for 1 March, DHS wrote in a memo shared with police partners. A Warner Bros. Rewoldt has stated that he's absolutely against blocking or slowing traffic. googletag.enableServices(); Even in certain counties with high levels of Covid-19, such as in states like California, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington, mask mandates are being lifted. The memo notes that the convoy plans to travel from California to Washington, D.C., and that drivers from Canada may join. Protestors block the last entrance to the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, effectively shutting it down as truckers and their supporters continue to demonstrate against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on February 9, 2022. Then some people revel and roll around in these types of circumstances.. The group, which has nearly 300,000 Facebook followers, will include truckers as well as others such as doctors, teachers, and pilots. Edwards stopped his rig suddenly in the middle of Interstate . President Biden is facing the possibility of truck driver protests mirroring those in Canada over vaccine mandatesthat would come as the administration works to combat supply chain disruptions, vaccinate more Americans andstrengthenthe U.S. economy. When Truckers Shut Down America to Protest Oil Pricesand - History Truck Drivers Strike: Latest News, Photos, Videos on Truck Drivers Its unclear how serious plans are for a similar protest in the U.S., though groups have announced plans on social media as the Canadian protests draw more attention. The drivers plan to continue their strike at the Port of Oakland through Wednesday. "An owner-operator becomes an owner-operator because they want to be their own boss.". The warning was circulated to law enforcement nationwide on Tuesday and was first reported by Yahoo News. Participating convoy American Freedom Convoy told CNN they have no intention of being violent, but insinuated it could happen if law enforcement sends troops to prevent the protests., Virginia State Police issued a traffic advisory for Virginia throughout the weekend, warning drivers to prepare for potential commercial and passenger vehicle convoys affecting traffic in and around the National Capital Region.. AB5 requires that trucking companies make their drivers employees, shutting out all the . 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hourly wages for heavy and trailer-truck drivers have steadily gone down since then. A number of truckers online called for nationwide strikes for numerous reasons, including in protest of U.S. President-elect Joe Bidens policies and in support of President Donald Trump. John Beard/The Denver Post/Getty Images. But, the department adds, it has no indication that individuals involved are engaged in anything other than First Amendment-protected activity. TRUCKER STRIKE 08/31/2021 ARE YOU PREPARED? - YouTube Trudeau has called the protesters a fringe majority and associated them with the rise of misinformation online and conspiracy theories. So now the trucking industry is waiting to find out when enforcement will begin. Truckers convoy in US could disrupt Super Bowl, Joe Biden's State of Trucker Strike 2022. If someone else passes on loads, this just gives me the advantage to make money.. After the election results were announced on Nov. 7, 2020, the American Trucking Associations released a statement congratulating Biden and calling for more infrastructure investment. The convoy will then roll out of California, with details to come on forthcoming rallies. The bulletin warns that the convoy "could severely disrupt transportation, federal government, and law enforcement operations through gridlock and potential counterprotests.". CBS News reporter covering homeland security and justice. An organizer said 20 truckers left Scranton, Pennsylvania, Wednesday morning and headed to the Beltway.. FreightWaves said that Biden clarified that his proposal only opposes hydraulic fracking on federal lands, not all fracking.. Currently, trucking companies deal with the permits and insurance needed to work in the port and they hire independent drivers to pick up and deliver loads. Independent truckers protest at Port of Oakland over worries about AB5. Independent truckers strike at Port of Oakland over worries about AB5 googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot3', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); He explained to TheTrucker that many drivers already shut down on those dates anyway, which means half of the participation automatically. And with more independent truckers and companies it is considered extremely challenging to wrangle that many truckers together, because they have neither the time nor resources. Trucks lined up down the street, as police made a deal with the protesters to allow 10 trucks in every 30 minutes. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Truck drivers may shut down in protest on Thanksgiving weekend. It is to honor our fallen military, our forgotten veterans and our truck driving veterans.. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. #dstv403. There have previously been violent incidents at demonstrations over the same issue. The Teamsters, a labor union that once boasted more than 2 million truckers as members, now has around 75,000 members. Discovery Company. Rewoldt has received criticism for scheduling a strike during the holiday weekend. "They spend this amount of money on a truck--their life savings--and work hard to provide for their families," Josue Mendez, owner of J&E Transportation, told KPIX 5. Solo domestic truck drivers were not under federal vaccine mandates in the US. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. However, its not easy, and oftentimes nearly impossible, for U.S. truckers to organize large-scale strikes due to past legislation and the decline of unions. The Department of Homeland Security is warning U.S. law enforcement agencies that a group of truckers is planning a protest of COVID-19 vaccine mandates that could start as soon as this weekend in. Snopes readers asked us if such strikes were indeed taking place, and if they would impact the delivery of basic food and necessities. Biden has clarified that his proposal only opposes hydraulic fracking on federal lands. Dec 3, 2012. was fracked in ND. Every worker, every driver deserves the right to have a union and all the benefits that come with that.". For the last two weeks, protests in Ottawa have shut down traffic and aggravated citizens of Canadas capital city as truckers honk in anger over requirements that truck drivers must be fully vaccinated to be permitted entry into Canada, a requirementthe U.S. government has also implemented. According to theU.S. Census Bureaus latest data, of the 3.5 million truck and delivery drivers, one in 10 is a military veteran, which is another reason why the StopTheTires group selected Wednesday to protest. Their livelihoods are at stake." The Windsor Detroit Ambassador Bridge remained closed on Thursday, but the detour port, Port Huron, is fully operational. Before looking at the nature and effectiveness of these strikes we had to determine whether nationwide and industry-wide strikes were even likely for U.S.-based truckers. [Tester] supports the right to peacefully protest, but shutting down the border does nothing to support Montanas truckers, producers, or our economy, which is why these folks should stop blocking traffic and let travel resume, a Tester spokesperson told The Hill on Wednesday. But the actual effectiveness of the past strikes as well as the upcoming ones are yet to be determined. Truck drivers across Maharashtra will go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow, following failure of talks between the . Puerto Rico's largest truck-driver's union began an indefinite strike July 21, demanding increased cargo rates on the island where 80% of all food is imported. }); Everyone in their hearts knows that Trump had [the election] stolen from him, the group member told FreightWaves. googletag.cmd.push(function() { From bad to worse: Student misbehavior rises further since return of in-person Lightfoot sends letter to Abbott urging him not to send any more migrants. Another group, who named themselves the American Freedom Convoy and includes members mostly from the Midwest, is also headed to Washington, DC, but are behind and will arrive around March 7. Thats enough to get attention for our cause.. Strike called by Toll truck drivers amid long industrial - 7NEWS googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/FW_Super_Leaderboard', [[300, 50], [970, 90], [300, 100], [728, 90]], 'div-gpt-ad-1668097889433-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner2).addService(googletag.pubads()); Does "Arcturus" COVID variant cause pink eye? The Peoples Convoygroupon Facebook is already plotting a March for Freedom Convoy to DC 2022., Facebook posts from organizers state that truckers will arrive in Coachella Valley in Indio, Calif., on March 4 for a rally to defeat the unconstitutional mandates.. Maharashtra Truck Drivers to go on Strike From Wednesday Against Escort Fee. As the number of new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations slowly falls, cities and states are loosening vaccine and mask requirements. Did you participate in Wednesdays StopTheTires protest? AB5 requires that trucking companies make their drivers employees, shutting out all the independent operators who own their own rigs. Are US Truckers Planning a Nationwide Strike Over Thanksgiving? He wanted to start a discussion among fellow truck drivers. The protesters, with members coming from. We will keep an eye on the events and post an update once we have more information. Mary Phadi, president of the Truckers Association of South Africa joins us now for more. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much She is an award-winning journalist known for her investigative and business reporting. Jan 24, 1990. Two others would originate in Ohio and end in the capital. And we will try to continue until we get it.". Dont miss the hottest freight event of the summer! That's a looming possibility in New York, where more than 100 truck drivers are threatening to strike and shut down supply chains to Whole Foods and Stop & Shop supermarkets in the tri-state area. Transport giant Toll Group says a 24-hour strike by 7,000 truck drivers has affected some customers, with the impact including minor delays to the delivery of some medical supplies in Sydney. Others in the industry thrive on negativity and chaos, said Shelle Lichti, a 28-year trucking veteran. The Gridreportedon Tuesday that a GoFundMe page for the Canadian truckers, which raisedmore than$8 million before it was shuttered, could have been influenced by right-wing donors in the U.S.White House press secretary JenPsaki this week didnt have a comment about this reporting. Indeed, before the elections, the truckers running the supply chain for United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) that supplies Whole Foods and other grocery stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut threatened to strike over what they said was UNFI's failure to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Case in point, in April 2019: Tens of thousands of truck drivers planned a work stoppage in a much-hyped Black Smoke Matters protest, but ultimately only a smattering of people in different locations participated. U.S. truckers planning protest convoy, perhaps starting in L.A. for It also notes calls for protests in state capitals, along with the Feb. 4 emergence of posts on social media with the hashtag #ShutDownSuperBowl and #SuperBowlTrafficking. As for reports of a possible "Freedom Convoy" event in Washington D.C. in early March, the DHS says it's "aware of these reports and is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the convoy does not disrupt lawful trade and transportation or interfere with federal government and law enforcement operations and emergency services." Donations made through the PAC would avoid the limitations of sites like GoFundMe, which had blocked the release of almost $10 million in donations to Canadian protesters two weeks ago, citing the promotion of violence and harassment in Ottawa. All Rights Reserved. googletag.enableServices(); Already, more than 500 DHS personnel are providingair and maritime security resources, part of standard operating procedure ahead of Sunday. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); By. !, Biden is not fit for presidentneither Harrisor Polosi. Snopes confirmed that a longer strike may occur, although it isn't clear how many drivers might participate and how effective the strike might be. Biden faces possible trucker threat | The Hill In a statement, Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged Canadian authorities to reopen the passageway. }); I hauled cars and took a big hit because airports were closed and people werent driving much because of COVID, the truck driver, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, told FreightWaves. 80 M Street SE, Suite 800, Washington, D.C., 20003, Government, Business, Equipment, Logistics, Engineers Ratify, but Conductors Split on Rail Labor Contract, FedEx Delivery Contractors Threat of Black Friday Walkout Fizzles, Second Railroad Union Rejects Deal, Adding to Strike Worries, Truck Drivers Go On Strike in Puerto Rico, GM Workers Stay on Strike as Members Vote on New Contract, Amazon Workers Plan Prime Day Strike at a Minnesota Warehouse, Car-Parts Plant for Ford, Tesla Resuming Work After Brief Strike, Head of Brazils State Oil Company Resigns in Wake of Trucker Strike, Peter Prengaman and Marcelo Silva De Sousa, CP Rail Strike Ends as Company Reaches Deal With Teamsters, Free Market vs. Subsidies at Heart of Brazil Truckers Strike, Senate Overturns Bidens Anti-Smog Rules for Big Rigs | Transport Topics, Toyota Class 8 Hydrogen Powertrain Approved in California | Transport Topics, 2023 State Truck Driving Championships Schedule | Transport Topics, California OKs Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation | Transport Topics, 3PLs Gain Market Share but Face Rising Fraud, TIA Leaders Say | Transport Topics, 2023 Transport Topics | All Rights Reserved. While the protesters have been characterized as a fringe group in Canada, the vaccine mandate for truckers has received attention from Democrats and trade groups in the U.S. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.) gptAdSlots.push(gptSlot); Brazilian cabinet ministers on May 28 called on truckers to end a crippling eight-day strike that has led to major shortages and disruptions in Latin Americas largest nation, saying the government had gone as far as it could to meet their demands. With Covid-19 mandates already dropping around the country in line with falling infection numbers, demonstrators are still showing up with demands. Truck driver protest | Clampdown on illegal foreign drivers, AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign supports schools with 260 trolley libraries. In an interview with TheTrucker, Rewoldt explained that the group ballooned to over 10,000 members overnight and over 67,000 members within a week. Canadian police arrested more than 100 people when the so-called Freedom Convoy, turned violent after truckers blocked roads and irritated residents with honking horns. One of the groups first members, who goes by Lowe Frank on Facebook, said the group picked Veterans Day to boycott delivery of nonessential supplies to major U.S. cities as a way to show support for President Trump. Trump has not conceded the presidential election. Only a small amount was actually . The StopTheTires group also opposes interference with medical supply shipments. The Peoples Convoy said they are distancing themselves from other groups who may have other, less peaceful plans. Truck driver Dan Dusty Chrome Porter of Florence, Kentucky, has seen a lot over his 52-year trucking career. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; One would travel from California through the Southwest and Deep South to DC. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas traveled to Los Angeles this week to review security preparations ahead of the game. White House officials said Thursday that the Biden administration is monitoring the situation at the border very closely. Samir Kapadia, the head of the trade practice at the Vogel Group, argued that if truckers in the U.S. mirror the protests seen in Canada, Biden will be criticized for any impact it has on the supply chain. This material may not be reproduced without permission. If you have a news tip or story idea, send her an email to, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved, FreightWaves, Inc, Trucker group plans to shut em down Wednesday in nationwide protest, Loaded & Rolling (Enterprise Fleet News/Analysis), Supply chain reports no disruption after trucker protest, Election 2020: Truckers largely plan to vote in person on Nov. 3, Election 2020: Truckers rate Trump on transportation, trade issues. The Great American Patriot Project started the American Truckers Freedom Fund on Wednesday and urged truck drivers to join three convoys to Washington, DC, next month. There are some who have no plans to protest but want to support the industry, Lichti told FreightWaves. "According to law enforcement sources, the group intends to start in California and travel to Washington, D.C., reportedly gathering truckers as they travel across the country; It has also been suggested that truckers from Canada may join the Washington, D.C. Among the coronavirus protocols that Canadian truckers are protesting is a requirement that those who are unvaccinated undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine following cross-border travel from the U.S. Those protesting the virus protocol organized a march in Ottawa earlier this month, which saw thousands of protesters in attendance. }); Of the respondents, 56% stated they had never heard of the group. Before joining FreightWaves, she wrote for Land Line Magazine and Trucks.com. Your name will not be used in any follow-up article without your permission. Protests in Canada have created a huge political problem for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and could become an issue for Biden soon while plans for a similar protest in Washington, D.C., next month are being made on social media. What officials say, AstraZeneca: New COVID drug may guard against all variants of concern, Many seniors now eligible to get another COVID booster, Biden signs bill ending COVID-19 national emergency, Many U.S. soldiers packed on pounds during pandemic, making 10,000 obese, hinder production at some U.S. auto plants. The protest organizers have raised about $10 million Canadian dollars, or $7.8 million U.S. dollars, through GoFundMe for their "Freedom Convoy" protests. CNN Convoy groups led by American truckers are making their way toward the nation's capital to demand an end to all Covid-19 mandates and restrictions. Shop affordable wall art to hang in dorms, bedrooms, offices, or anywhere blank walls aren't welcome. Another 16% said they were aware of the groups efforts but were not participating, and 23% said they dont support shutting down their trucks. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. "My message is simple: Reopen traffic on the bridge," Whitmer said. Please stop saying that lie about voting fraud we the people r very very much tired of loosing family members and homes, and money that people worked so hard to save and now on food pantry lines right now our government is not showing any love for its people mixed emotions oh yeah racism sucks ,so yeah whether you like it or not ,go Biden!! A truck driver protest could have a big impact on your Wednesday afternoon commute. A few decades ago, large numbers of truckers were unionized and carried out successful strikes in the '70s. Local truck drivers' issue strike warning for April 30, protest over They dont want to deal with these mandates and its kind of a way to stand up for all the American people against it.. Jeremy Rewoldt, the founder of the StopTheTires2020 group on Facebook, didnt intend to start a movement. The protests in Canada have been linked to far-right extremism, an issue for Biden and law enforcement following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.