Over the past six years, America’s working families have been hit hard by many catastrophic events – 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Southern California wildfires, to name a few. These natural and man-made disasters have devastated and dislocated thousands of working families. In the midst of these tragedies that also affected thousands of union members, the labor movement was there – leading rescue efforts, donating blood, volunteering time, and providing the comfort, relief, support, and resources to help their brothers and sisters in need.

 

Fritz Sanchez was a trooper in the army of volunteers that the Red Cross dispatched to help Louisiana residents cope with the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.

Local 376 volunteers make a difference for Katrina victims

CSEA members quick to offer a hand to Hurricane Katrina victims

Local 420 delivers holiday supplies to union members in devastated New Orleans area

Whenever disaster strikes, union members are among the first to lend a hand. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit New Orleans in 2005, unions members sent supplies and volunteered to help clean up and provide whatever help was needed.

AFSCME members who suffered the wrath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are slowly rebuilding their lives, with help from their union sisters and brothers.