Port Of Oakland Calls Possible Shutdown 'Disruptive To Community'
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Supporters of the Occupy movement are mobilizing to shut down ports along the West Coast on Monday. This would be the second time in two months, demonstrators shut down Oakland's port, the fifth busiest cargo-container port in the U.S.
Representatives from the port have said a shutdown costs the region millions of dollars.
There are more than 73,000 jobs tied to port activity in Northern California including— dock workers, truckers, office workers and manufacturers throughout the region.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
"It's important to understand that the Port of Oakland isn't something that you just turn and turn off," said Issac Kos-Read, a port representative. "The public agency that is the port doesn't control everything at the port. The port is really a lot of different interlocking businesses that come together," he said.
Kos-Read explained there are seven private marine terminals and two private rail terminals at the port and that the ripple effect of maritime activity at the port would cost $8.5 million daily.
"The port is a public agency. The folks on our board, The Board of Port Commissioners, are all volunteers. They're all members of the Oakland community," Kos-Read said.
He said those members have a goal of enhancing economic activity in the region.
"This is sadly going to be disruptive to our community," Kos-Read said.
The last shut down of the port on November 2 was part of a General Strike called by members of the Occupy movement.
The port is planning a proactive approach with law enforcement to stay open on December 12.
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