A day after a major mess on the roadway that blocked traffic for hours, truckers were back at it, in protest, hoping to change what they call unfair labor practices.
They were protesting on Okeechobee Road just west of the Palmetto in Medley. Law enforcement officials were on the scene keeping the peace, as they tried to control traffic.
The protest turned tense when it started Tuesday, causing chaotic congestion and gridlock during rush hour. Things got so heated that one driver, Luis Calderon Martinez, was arrested during the commotion. He has been charged with battery on an officer and resisting arrest.
The drivers were still not budging Wednesday. They want better pay and have issues with wages paid by brokers.
"We're out here for better pay. The loads are not paying enough to support our family to support our bills," said Amarilys Gomez, truck owner operator.
They also said they're standing up for other truckers who were arrested in another protest in Tallahassee.
The Florida Highway Patrol and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz came out Tuesday to listen to their concerns and see if they could negotiate with the crowds during the tense protests.
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"There's a lot of people that are trying to get home to their loved ones, to their families, to their sick family members and they want to get home and I think they defeat the purpose of being out here and blocking the roadway," said Trooper Joe Sanchez with FHP.
Meanwhile, the protesters continued to strike for a second day.
"As long as we can, we're gonna be here. You know, we're not gonna move any loads from Miami anywhere. Enough is enough. Truckers have had enough," Gomez said.
Many are now waiting to see whether they can find a resolution as they negotiate with officials.
