Dump Truck Drivers Stage Rolling Protest Around National Mall
Friday, April 11th, 2008Dump truck drivers staged a rolling protest around the National Mall Thursday, trying to draw attention to the plight of truckers who are buffeted by rising gas prices.
“Oh man by the time you buy fuel and pay for your insurance it’s nothing left,” said trucker Rick Woman.
More than 100 truckers drove from Forestville into the District, circling the Mall while honking their horns.
The drivers say they have been buffeted by the rising cost of fuel. They say construction companies have not raised the amount of money paid to the independent operators, seriously injuring their bottom line.
“We’re not making enouth. We’re not being fairly compesated for what we’re doing,” said Stella Hargrove.
The drivers, who own their own trucks, get $55 an hour from the companies. That is the same amount they were paid five years ago, according to the drivers, who say fellow drivers in Philadelphia are now making $100 an hour.
“We just can’t make it, point blank, it’s not enough. A lot of guys are losing their dump trucks and everything,” said trucker Brandon Thomas.
The United Metropolitan Truckers Association says many members have lost or are on the verge of losing their trucks. Truck repossessions have increased 110 percent from a year ago, according to UMTA.
