The High Cost of the Low Road: Workers and Communities Confront the Global Goods Movement Industry

U.S. goods movement depends on a network that encompasses seaports, highways, railways, and a growing warehouse industry. Goods movement hinges on a low-wage, deregulated workforce and a deteriorating and inefficient infrastructure. Communities near seaports and along transportation corridors suffer high rates of asthma, cancer, and heart disease due to diesel emissions from 1000s of older-model trucks that transport shipping containers. Port truck drivers work under bad conditions, without decent pay and benefits. The accompanying warehouse industry is a further source of pollution and bad jobs.
But workers and communities are using innovative strategies to win justice. This workshop will feature panels that bring together workers, community members and environmental activists from across the country. We will hear speakers, view videos showing local conditions and share materials from local and regional campaigns. Special attention will be paid to alternatives, including new and proposed legislation and a range of community initiatives.