|
Gas effects travel to Middle Georgia, Tennessee Truckers Go On Strike
Over 85% of all manufactured freight in Georgia is moved by trucks. Everything from
wood to toothpaste travels from manufacturers to your local stores thanks to the
owners and operators of trucking companies like Greg Hobert, owner of Hobert
Trucking. All of that may change, however, since Greg and his fellow owner/operators
are now on strike.
Greg emphasizes, "I'm here because of these fuel prices, they're just outrageous,
ridiculous...it's to the point where my fuel prices are more than my profit. That way,
I'm working backwards. I mean, if I can't take home nothing, then what's the point of
working?"
Cary Mullis, owner of CME Trucking, explains, "We used to run 5 trucks, we're only
currently running three. We've had to lay 2 employees off. It's hurting everybody."
Melvin Colbert, an Owner/Operator, says, "We've got fuel prices at $4.00/gallon, and
we're spending over a $1,000 a week in fuel just trying to make a living."
Approximately 30 men and women brought their trucks to Thomaston Monday for a
strike they hope will spread nationally. They say 2-3 days without trucks will force
U.S. politicians to take their cause seriously.
Cary adds, "It's hurting the whole economy. So, one way or another, we've either got
to raise freight rates or drop fuel prices."
The protesters gathered Monday say they will continue the strike until either the
government steps in, or gas prices decline on their own. They say that financially it
doesn't matter whether they work or strike, because either way, they're still not
bringing home a profit.
Greg sighs, "I mean, I don't want to, I've got a family to feed, but if I'm doing nothing,
I'm making the same thing as if I'm working right now. Nothing. I leave home broke
and come home broke."
Source: Alison Morrow, FOX 24 News |
