Katrina Unions
May 2, 2006
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Unions Set Up Workers’ Centers for Katrina Evacuees in Gulf States New Toll Free Number Offers Help to Working Families: 877- AFL-CIO9 Victims of Hurricane Katrina can learn about jobs, get instant access to computers, and find basic relief at three new workers’ centers which have been established in Houston, Texas; Mobile, Alabama and Pearl, Mississippi. “Unions are meeting the enormous challenges posed by Katrina by preparing to play a unique and much-needed role in the relief effort,” said AFL-CIO Sec-Treas. Richard Trumka. “Working people hit by this disaster need jobs, housing, and basic aid. Unions are mobilizing to meet those needs, and more.” The workers’ centers are sponsored by the unions of the AFL-CIO and the state federations of labor in those states. They are open to all hurricane victims. Union families are encouraged to use this additional resource to liaison with their union. Worker Center in Houston, Texas Harris County Central Labor Council Worker Center in Pearl, Mississippi (near Gulfport) United Association of Pipe Fitters Worker Center in Mobile, Alabama Seafarers Union In addition, hurricane victims can call a new toll free number – – 877-AFL-CIO9 – – to get assistance from the union movement, and to reach out to their union. Over a thousand volunteers from union households are expected to bolster the Red Cross efforts in the coming weeks. Union members bring a host of talents to the relief effort including emergency response experience, construction knowledge, and education and counseling experience for children. Union members who want to volunteer should sign up at www.aflcio.org/hurricane. Union members of the AFL-CIO have already raised over $200,000 through the Union Community Hurricane Relief Fund, to which union members and others can donate online at www.aficio.org or by sending checks to: Union Community Fund Hurricane Relief Fund, P.O. Box 27306, Washington, DC 20038. The Union Privilege Credit Card Disaster Relief Fund offers cardholders facing financial hardship as a result of the hurricane an opportunity to apply for grants of $500 to $2000. The money does not have to be repaid. Other special assistance for cardholders includes lower rates, fee waivers, and other help. |
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