Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm last weekend, causing untold damage and knocking out electricity for more than 1 million people in Louisiana and Mississippi. Remnants of the storm struck New York City and the Northeast on Wednesday night, causing the deaths of at least 24 people and leading to widespread flooding and power outages. Across the country, the labor movement is mobilizing to provide support to union members and affected communities. On Tuesday, members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 763 set off from Omaha, Nebraska, traveling to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to help communities along the Gulf Coast restore power. The Louisiana AFL-CIO has established a disaster relief fund to help union members impacted by natural disasters. Checks may be sent to: Louisiana AFL-CIO Disaster Relief Fund, 429 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.