West Coast dockworkers approve new labor terms: The International Longshore and Warehouse Union — representing about 22k workers at 29 ports on the US West Coast — has voted to ratify a new six-year labor agreement, the Wall Street Journal reports. The new terms include a 32% bump to salaries through 2028 and a one off “hero bonus” for laborers who worked through the pandemic period, sources close to the matter reportedly told WSJ. The agreement marks the conclusion of fractious talks which saw numerous work stoppages and an intervention by the White House, the journal wrote.

Labor organizations across the US are jostling for better worker conditions in the wake of the pandemic and record inflation. Late last month saw UPS workers approve new labor terms, averting a possible strike. American Airlines’ pilots also ratified a four-year labor agreement in August that will see them receive a 46% boost to compensations. This came after Delta Airlines and United Airlines upped their pilots’ compensations ahead of the busy summer season, putting pressure on rival carriers to follow suit.

An innovative solar-powered hybrid truck is undergoing a public road test, Trade Arabia reports.The hybrid truck features a trailer covered in solar panels and produces its own energy, significantly reducing operational costs and emissions. The 18-meter trailer's solar panels can extend driving range by up to 5k km annually in Sweden, and nearly double the range in sunnier regions like Spain. It was developed through a collaborative effort between Scania, Uppsala University, Eksjö Maskin & Truck, Midsummer, Ernsts Express, and Dalakraft. The truck is being assessed in a research project that examines its solar energy generation, its impact on carbon emissions, and potential integration with the power grid.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Valencia's Port has received the world's first hydrogen- powered reach stacker, developed by Hyster. It will undergo testing in actual operating conditions from September until December 2024, with a target of matching the performance of diesel models and lasting up to two operational shifts before refueling. (Seatrade Maritime)
  • The Indian government is extending a coal import mandate until March so the country can fuel power plant s and avoid blackouts amid surging electricity demand. (Bloomberg)
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