A group of warehouse workers linked themselves with handcuffs and duct tape to form a human wall

[Omaha Steve]

http://gangbox.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/200-pro-union-warehouse-workers-blockade-freeway-in-mira-loma-california-2-arrested-trying-to-stop-a-teamster-from-crossing-their-picketline-warehouse-workers-united-is-trying-to-organize-non-un/

Posted in Uncategorized by gangbox on the May 29, 2009
from the INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN:

Warehouse worker protest in Mira Loma leads to arrests
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer

Created: 05/28/2009 07:21:56 PM PDT

MIRA LOMA – What began as a nonviolent protest by hundreds of warehouse workers led to a bloody confrontation, several arrests and snarled traffic in all directions. About 200 members of Warehouse Workers United – a workers’ rights organization that’s also seeking unionization – gathered at about 3 p.m. at the intersection of Van Buren and Etiwanda avenues in Mira Loma after caravaning from Fontana.

Once there, forklift driver Marq Stonestreet, 24, of Rialto drove a forklift into the intersection and stopped, to the cheers of his fellow protesters.

A group of warehouse workers linked themselves with handcuffs and duct tape to form a human wall around the forklift.



Members of Warehouse Workers United, a group that wants to become a union, block the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard near the 60 Freeway in a protest that became violent Thursday in Mira Loma. (LaFonzo Carter / Staff Photographer)
the workers in the Inland Empire,” said Stonestreet

“It’s time for someone to stand up for the workers in the Inland Empire,” said Stonestreet, an unemployed warehouse worker who said such work doesn’t provide benefits or job security. Most of the other protesters blocked the intersection in each direction, preventing angry drivers from continuing their commute.

One man who was stuck in traffic for more than 15 minutes attempted to roll through the intersection with his Ford F-150 pickup.

A small crowd tried to stop the driver.

FULL story and more photos at link.