There is a push underway at the statehouse to advance an
ill-advised effort that is a direct attack on independent contractors.
Dubbed the “Truck Operator Independent Contractor Act,” the
legislation – S1450 – would deem port truckers, including owner-operators going
onto a port, to be employees. Parcel drivers would also be reclassified as
employees.
The Senate Labor Committee is scheduled to consider S1450 on
Monday, March 4.
Now would be a great time to contact committee members and
urge them to oppose the reclassification effort, which would kill small trucking
businesses throughout New Jersey.
Supporters of the reclassification in New Jersey claim that
drayage and parcel truckers in the state are being misclassified. Lawmakers
should know that the state would be better served to enforce existing rules on
classification.
It should also be made clear to lawmakers that the reliance
on owner-operators is not limited to the Port of New York and New Jersey.
The changes sought in S1450 would run off trucks and
discourage them from doing business in the state. Instead, the reliance on
owner-operators is a widely used and reputable practice that should be
encouraged as a way to stimulate New Jersey’s economy.
Take time now to communicate with Senate Labor Committee
members and let them know how you feel about S1450. An email and a phone call
could go a long way to kill the effort.
Sen. Fred Madden,
chairman
Sen.
Richard Codey, vice chairman
Alan Jackson sings it best. "There goes the the little man..."
ReplyDeleteDubbed the “Truck Operator Independent Contractor Act,” the legislation – S1450 – would deem port truckers, including owner-operators going onto a port, to be employees. Parcel drivers would also be reclassified as employees.
ReplyDeleteThat works as long as ALL EMPLOYEES to be PAID AT UNION RATES plus given UNION BENEFITS (for those O.O.s not already covered by Unions and Benefits).
Otherwise it's just another SCAM against TRUCK DRIVERS.
CHEERS!!
~Eric G~
In reference to "this weeks poll", I picked the second pick as I've had experiences in the past where I've turned in found money to the "authorities" and either the amount given back to the person who lost it was "SHORT", OR IT WAS NEVER RETURNED AT ALL. The reward (if any) didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteGrizzly
yea !!!!!!!!! lets start this country all over again .with real people who understand.
ReplyDeleteJust another turn for an open door for the purpose of eliminating truck drivers and people from the picture. Standing by to let robots to take the load in and the load out. Won't be long till the highways and byways will be computerized robots traveling our highways and byways rather than letting a human drive the truck with this having computers eliminating yet another job closer.
ReplyDeleteThese under-ride guards sound like an obvious preventative measure to save lives and protect truck accident victims. If altering these guards ensures that cars cannot slide underneath trucks, it seems like a no-brainer.
ReplyDeleteWithout more information, it is difficult to tell if the companies are genuinely using the services of independent contractors or just trying to circumnavigate labor laws. Banning the use of independent contractors is not meant to drive the “little guy” out of business, but rather to enforce labor laws, wage requirements and union standards.
ReplyDeleteTrucking company owners are resistant to this legislation because it would cost them money. They contend it will kill small business, but it will not create an uneven playing field if all companies are held to the same standards. Officials claim it will be easier to monitor and regulate trucking companies under this system—the benefits surely outweigh any alleged costs here.
ReplyDelete