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The destruction of the longshoreman/dockworker career happened over the course of about 10-15 years during the 60's and early 70's. Containerization basically m
by nateberkopec 10y ago
The destruction of the longshoreman/dockworker career happened over the course of about 10-15 years during the 60's and early 70's. Containerization basically made their jobs unnecessary. That industry was far more unionized than truck drivers in the US are today.
To be honest, I don't think, as a society, we should be sad to see the truck driver go. It's a tough job with an awful lifestyle, and a work environment that's basically impossible for women and people of color.
What we should be concerned about is what all these people will do next - most won't have any other (labor) skills. Many of the longshoremen got "golden parachute" type payments to retire early, thanks to the negotiating power of the union. Most truck drivers, I think, will not be so lucky.
- kirykl 10y ago>a work environment that's basically impossible for women and people of color how so ?
- jenkstom 10y agoI work for a trucking company. There is plenty of diversity. Drivers mostly operate solo, it doesn't really matter what you look like or what sex you are.
- toomuchtodo 10y ago> What we should be concerned about is what all these people will do next - most won't have any other (labor) skills. Many of the longshoremen got "golden parachute" type payments to retire early, thanks to the negotiating power of the union. Most truck drivers, I think, will not be so lucky. You might reconsider your phrasing of "golden parachute" for redundancy payments. CEOs receive golden parachutes. Redundant longshoremen received something akin to small lump sum retirement payment. Big difference.