Semi truck drivers rally across Metro Vancouver to protest industry changes

Hundreds of semi truck drivers drove across Metro Vancouver Sunday afternoon to show solidarity between company owners and drivers over proposed changes to the drayage industry.

The Port Transportation Association says the rally is in solidarity with port container carriers who will be affected by licensing changes.

In a press release Sunday, the association said the industry changes it’s anticipating should be left to elected officials. 

“Attempting to reshape British Columbia’s container drayage industry by way of license will have detrimental effects on B.C. small businesses, jobs within all related sectors, risk the health of Canada’s supply chain, and will ultimately increase inflation,” said the release. 

In May, the association hosted a similar caravan protest that was briefly diverted by police. The May event, like Sunday’s, was organized to protest new licensing and to advocate for fair pay for drivers hauling containers in and out of port terminals.

Drivers began their drive Sunday at Annacis Island at 11:30 a.m., heading into Vancouver’s downtown core before heading back.

Source