Latest Fatal Accident at Southern California Ports Underscores Need to Prioritize the Safety of All Port Workers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 - The International Brotherhood of Teamsters mourns the tragic job-related death of 53-year-old John Robert Kiser, a Lakewood, CA dockworker and member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Tens of thousands of port workers put their lives at risk everyday as they operate heavy, dangerous machinery and handle hazardous cargo in order to keep our nation's economy moving.
"Our hearts go out to Mr. Kiser's family and his ILWU brothers and sisters," said Fred Potter, Teamsters Port Division Director. "All port workers deserve the safest working environment possible, and local officials and employers must ensure all necessary safeguards and enforcement in order to prevent future injuries and fatalities."
Kiser's tragic death comes only seven months after the accident that killed Pablo Antonio Garcia, a port truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union. Soon after, the life of a third worker, Felipe Curiel, was nearly lost after a container fell on the cab of his truck. Carlos Rivera, a 73-year-old longshoreman, was also killed in a job-related accident in April of 2008.
The Teamsters continue to underscore the need to prioritize the safety of all waterfront workers for both employee and contract workers, even if they lack union protections.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT: Coral Lopez of International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-310-956-5712, coral.lopez@changetowin.org
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