Thousands of protesters up and down the US West Coast as part of the "Occupy" movement focused their attention on ports Monday, slowing operations at some of the nation's largest ports, such as the Port of Oakland, California; Port of Longview, Washington; Port of Portland, Oregon; Port of San Diego, California and Port of Long Beach, California. The "Occupy" movement began in mid-September on New York City's infamous Wall Street.
The effects of the protest varied between different ports. While having little-to-no affect in San Diego, thousands of protesters prevented some trucks from being unloaded in Longview. Media reports also indicated that some port workers were sent home for "health and safety" concerns.
In Long Beach, protesters focused their attention on SSA Marine, a major shipping company that is partially owned by Goldman Sachs. Protesters blocked the south entrance of the pier at the Port of Long Beach, diverging longshoremen to another entrance at the Port.
The Port of Oakland suffered sporadic disruptions to activity with big-rigs sitting idly by as protesters prevented truckers from driving in and out of the marine terminal gates.