by James Parks, May 11, 2011
After the worst tornadoes in recent U.S. history tore through Alabama and across the southern United States last month, union members by the hundreds immediately began to do what we do best—mobilizing and organizing to help people in need.
Within hours of the storms, local union halls began setting up to become relief centers for the entire community. Large numbers of building trades union volunteers from throughout the region showed up to perform cleanup, support and relief work.
And despite the fragile economy, union members are digging deep into their pockets to help others. United Steelworkers (USW) locals in Fairfield, Ala., collected more than $30,000 at factory gates to help the tornado survivors.You can help working families and their communities recover from the tornadoes by donating money by:
•Visiting www.uwca.org.
•Texting “Union” to 50555. This will contribute $10 to the fund on your phone bill. Normal texting charges will apply.
•Sending a check payable to “United Way Union Tornado Relief Fund” to United Way Union Tornado Relief Fund, P.O. Box 320189, Birmingham, AL 35232. You can designate the checks to “Regional Fund,” “Alabama Fund” or “Central Alabama Fund” if you wish.
Terry Davis, the AFL-CIO Community Services liaison for Central Alabama, reports that the day after the tornados struck, USW members from Fairfield were on the ground collecting supplies, providing ice and manpower to help in the Pleasant Grove/Concord area. USW Local 2122 also opened its union hall to the community. AFT locals gathered and brought supplies into the impacted area. Communications Workers of America (CWA) members volunteered to man phones and assist in delivering food to survivors. Food and Commercial Workers ( UFCW) members were there also as part of their ”Feeding the Hungry” program.
As one observer said, “you could truly see the face of labor—one worker helping another.”
Electrical Workers (IBEW) members are cooking food and delivering it throughout the area, in addition to collecting donations for the victims. USW and Mineworkers (UMWA) members are transporting food and supplies and providing meals for emergency responders and victims in Tuscaloosa and other areas. Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) members were in Pratt City cooking and providing food.
Over the past weekend, the union spirit was really on display as more than 150 union volunteers showed up with a back hoe, a boom truck, chain saws, axes and strong backs to help clean up the damage. Davis says:
I’ve been in the labor movement since 1998 and seeing more than 150 of my union brothers and sister come together to help one another and their communities is the proudest moment of my union life and one of the proudest of my life.
