Machinists, American Airlines Partner for Relief Flight to Puerto Rico

The IAM, AFL-CIO affiliates, and American Airlines came together to deliver much-needed water and relief supplies to Puerto Rico’s working families. The flight departs from Philadelphia International Airport early Friday morning and the supplies will be received in Puerto Rico by IAM member and Puerto Rico AFL-CIO President José “Lole” Rodríguez Báez.

“The IAM is again honored to be involved in bringing essential relief aid to the working families of Puerto Rico,” said Transportation GVP Sito Pantoja. “I commend the thousands of IAM members at American for their continued assistance in these recovery efforts. This flight is yet another example of IAM members and the labor movement helping others in need. I thank American Airlines for being an excellent partner in this ongoing relief effort. By constantly donating cargo space, they enable IAM members to deliver supplies to these families.”

“The IAM continues to assist working families in Puerto Rico during this difficult period,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “The IAM is mobilizing our teams on the ground to provide support for Puerto Rico’s working families. It is our hope and prayers that these efforts will help rebuild the lives of Puerto Rico’s working families. We want to thank American Airlines for the donated cargo space, Local 1776 President Richard Howell and all Local 1776 members for leading this effort. American Airlines has been a leader in the Caribbean relief efforts from day one. The IAM is proud of the labor-management partnership in these relief efforts.”

Through American’s response efforts, IAM members at American Airlines have assisted affected communities with humanitarian relief, relief supplies, monetary donations, and traveling to San Juan to support recovery efforts on the ground.

In addition to this flight, IAM members have been involved in other relief flights to Puerto Rico on United and Southwest Airlines. The IAM is the only union at all those airlines.

Puerto Rico’s working families continue to suffer from a lack of resources and these shipments will assist with the rebuilding effort currently underway.

To view more pictures from the event, click here

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