Charleston Truckers Demand Fair Wages Through Solidarity
In the bustling city of Charleston, South Carolina, a trucker advocacy group is making waves with a strong call to action: it’s time for drivers to reject low-paying job offers and push for what they term a livable wage. Inspired by the recent strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the local Charleston Coalition 18 believes they are in a powerful position to negotiate better pay. Founded in 2021 by Jaun Gordon, this coalition serves as a support and advocacy group for truck drivers to connect and share vital information.
The Impact of the ILA Strike
Reflecting on the impact of the ILA strike, Gordon noted, “The ILA decided that they were going to strike, and we can’t work if they’re not working.” The combined efforts of the ILA led to the shutdown of the ports, forcing many truckers to stay home for several days. “They did what they did to better their situation, and we got to do what we got to do as a community to better ours,” he emphasized.
It’s worth noting that every day the ports remain inactive, it takes truckers about five days of work to recover. Gordon stresses that this is a critical moment where their contributions on the roads are essential and should be recognized fairly in terms of pay.
Understanding Costs and Pay Rates
According to the members of the Charleston Coalition 18, it costs an average truck driver $1.90 per mile to haul items, which includes fuel, maintenance, and safety work. Unfortunately, many drivers are receiving offers of $1.50 or less per mile, resulting in a situation where they are losing money just to keep their businesses running.
“We got brokers that chip away 50% of loads in most cases,” Gordon explained. “So, you got a driver who’s got $40,000 to $80,000 invested into a rig, and he can’t maintain it properly because he is accepting negative pay.” This unsustainable practice is pushing drivers to advocate for a change.
Eliminating Middlemen
Gordon is clear about the challenges posed by brokers who act as middlemen in this process. While he understands that it’s not realistic to remove brokers entirely, he and the Coalition are urging drivers to refuse any offers that fall below their baseline costs. This is essential not only for their financial stability but also for maintaining safety standards in their operations.
Working with the Ports
Historically, the Coalition has had good relationships with the ports regarding wage negotiations. Gordon believes that by reaching out and providing a list of rate requests, they can rebuild and strengthen these connections. “I’ve always believed in that relationship because anything that we brought to them in the past, we’ve seemed to be able to work out,” he said.
A Rally for Change
Last Friday, a rally in North Charleston saw hundreds of truckers come together, including advocates like Shauntai Robinson and Ebony Richards. They stood united, reinforcing the message that truckers hold the power to negotiate fair prices and better working conditions. “This is just the first step,” Robinson stated. “Drivers need to sit together and communicate because of unity. We’re all fighting for the same thing.”
Aiming for Transparency
Robinson also mentioned plans to document brokers’ rates across the area, enabling drivers to collectively agree on fair pay cuts and rates per mile. This initiative aims to empower drivers to refuse low-paying jobs and ensure everyone is adequately compensated for their hard work.
Community Support and Understanding
The truckers hope that the community will support their efforts by understanding the necessity of their demands. “We’re working-class people with families,” Robinson emphasized. “Our goal is not to negatively impact anybody. We simply want to make a living for our families while providing safe services.”
A Call for Solidarity
As the Coalition 18 plans closed-door meetings and strategizes their next steps, Gordon reminds both drivers and the public of the importance of solidarity. He urges drivers to decline low-wage jobs that don’t meet their baseline costs, stressing that their safety and the safety of the community depend on operational sustainability.
“This is not against you,” he said to the public. “We understand your needs. But we must operate under sustainable conditions.” With unity and determination, these Charleston truckers are paving the way for a better future in their industry.
