The community of West Oakland bears the brunt of the negative impacts caused by business activity at the Port of Oakland. Port generated air pollution has long plagued the community and is associated with respiratory illnesses and cancer. Port truck drivers, whose health is also at risk, are forced to work for low wages in sweatshop conditions. Yet, West Oakland residents and Port drivers reap few of the benefits of the international trade that passes through the Port and drives the Bay Area economic engine.
I support the adoption of a Comprehensive Clean Trucks Program at the Port of Oakland that:
* Makes the profitable industry responsible for the cost of clean air;
* Ends the "sweatshop on wheels" system;
* Includes a strong local jobs program; and
* Grants "independent" drivers employee status, giving them the right to join a union.
Adoption of the Clean Trucks Program is long overdue. I urge the Port of Oakland to act now!
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
