Various West Texas truck drivers were notified they weren’t employed with cargo and freight company, 5F. The news comes after the group of truckers hosted a peaceful protest demanding more work hours and increased pay.
“And just because they saw his name the next day, 5F calls my husband saying that there was no more work for him. And I think that’s not fair,” Helda Lugo, wife of one of the truck drivers, said.
The drivers were notified by a phone call and were told their assistance wasn't needed because “there isn’t enough work for them.” Upon laying them off, the company assured the former employees they would be considered if more work became available.
“Really bad conditions. Fourteen hours of work, fifteen hours of work, sixteen hours of work. Everyday. Without being able to go home.” said Eldys Orrellis, one of the truck drivers.
The complaints also included the treatment of the drivers, with many revealing that 5F wasn’t treating its employees properly and was neglecting their request for help with payments for diesel, paid sick leave and vacation hours.
“They don’t want to get overcharged for not coming to work because they’re sick, because their trucks went down, because of different things that happen during our life. Even if they want to spend time with their family, they wanna charge them for that? It’s unjust and it’s unfair.” said Oscar Lobos, member of Truckers Movement for Justice.
Most of the drivers have now been locked out of the application they use to receive orders.
"These things are the reason why we’re here giving these declarations. Because we’re not on the same page. We weren’t before and we never will be because we never did anything wrong.” Emilio Del Toro, one of the truck drivers, said.
Before news of the layoffs came along, one of the drivers was offered a job, but that has now changed.
“The truck drivers said their main goal isn’t to go back to working for 5F,” KOSA, CBS 7 reports. “They want their voices to be heard and for truckers around the world to not be afraid to share their opinions.”