LOS ANGELES, CA - The Long Beach and Los Angeles ports, a pair of the U.S.’s busiest points of transit, saw truck drivers striking yesterday, June 1st, in an effort be classified as full time employees instead of the current system of independent contractors.

With more than 800 complaints filed with the California Labor Commission against port-trucking companies in the last five years, and more than $35 million to drivers in that time, it is an issue that continues to effect the state’s transportation segment. The drivers’ argue the change could open the door to more opportunities and better treatment, while companies argue the proposed system wouldn’t be sustainable.

As the debate wages, the striking drivers have taken their stance to the ports that see as many as 25,000 short-haul trucks taking product to retail chains like that of Costco, Walmart, Target, and more, according to news source Marketplace.

The current system in place calls on drivers as independent contractors, leasing or owning their own trucks and equipment. For the 750+ trucking companies that operate out of the ports, that majority reportedly own less than 100 trucks to transport.

The reports have not yet released an estimated number of drivers on strike, nor have either of the respective ports said anything to the effect of the action disrupting transportation of fresh produce or any other goods coming through Los Angeles and Long Beach.

AndNowUKnow will continue to follow this and other events for effects they could have on the industry.