More than 70 truck drivers from the Port of Los Angeles went on strike on Thursday, February 20th, to protest recent changes in pay structure and rising health insurance costs.

The background: The drivers, from Southern Counties Express, gathered outside a Compton truck depot before dawn to demand renegotiation of their contracts. The company shifted their pay from hourly to per-load, significantly reducing their earnings.

• Before the change, drivers earned about $31 per hour; now, they make approximately $20 per load, depending on location.
• The health insurance cost for a driver with a family of three has surged from $30 to roughly $180 per week.

The company's statement: Southern Counties Express explained its financial difficulties to the union, according to KTLA. They offered to negotiate further but stressed that many drivers are seeing higher pay under the new conditions.

Driver concerns: Jocelyn, one of the drivers, expressed a hope that the strike would push the company to negotiate better terms. "We’re hoping to make an impact on them," she said.

While the company remains open for further negotiations, it's clear the drivers are determined to fight for their livelihood. No injuries or incidents were reported during the protest. The company has invited those unsatisfied with the offer to opt for a voluntary buyout.