L.B. Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga will join truck drivers, dockworkers and Teamster officials at a 5 p.m. candlelight vigil Wednesday on Pier A to demand a full and rapid investigation into the Jan. 28 death of driver Pablo Garcia, who was killed in a worksite accident while picking up a container.
The memorial is at Berth A90, near the accident site, where Garcia was pinned between two truck chassis after being struck by a forklift driver. Long Beach Police and the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health are looking into the accident. No charges have been filed.
A 40-year-old father of three, Garcia had been active with the Teamsters, helping organize fellow drivers at Long Beach-based Maritech Leasing in the months before his death. The group negotiated a labor contract providing overtime pay, health care and death benefits - perks Garcia's family is now drawing upon, friends said Tuesday.
"We must ensure these accidents are fully investigated so that all port truck drivers, regardless of employee classification, can work in a safer environment," said Jim Santangelo, President of Teamster Joint Council 42, which represents Long Beach-area drivers.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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