News
Relief for Louisiana Teamsters
Between August 12 and 14, thousands of working families were displaced following severe flooding in Louisiana, including up to 900 Teamster members.
By the time the storm was over, more than 4 trillion gallons of rain had fallen, setting an all-time record high for southeast Louisiana and leaving approximately 20,000 people without food or shelter.
Despite little national news coverage being given to the devastation, the Teamsters Union has been on the ground providing aid to those in need and raising awareness. The union has a long tradition of serving on the frontline in times of crisis and helping members affected by natural disasters.
A number of members of Locals 5, 270 and members of the BLET and BMWED, have lost their homes and need our help.
Roy Gillespie, of the Teamsters Human Rights Commission and member of Joint Council 13, was on the ground assisting those in need immediately after the natural disaster. He has called on members and locals from across the country to take action and support their brothers and sisters in Louisiana.
“We need your help,” Gillespie said. “Really, we just need the support of every Teamster. I encourage members to give their time or donate to the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund. This is our chance to show our union pride and provide relief and assistance to Teamsters in need.”
In crisis after crisis, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Sandy, from tornadoes in the Midwest to earthquakes in California, Gillespie has coordinated the Teamsters relief effort alongside the Army, the Red Cross and other agencies. He’s the union’s man on the ground when disasters strike, and with each new disaster, he leads the way to recovery.
“When somebody needs something the Teamsters can do, we make it happen,” Gillespie said. “Every time Teamsters get involved, others realize what we’re capable of.”
To donate to the fund, or to request assistance from the fund, visit ibt.io/tdrfund.
Members living in the following Louisiana parishes are eligible to apply: East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa.
The deadline for application is September 30, 2016.
For questions, contact the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund office at (202) 624-8971.