Labor In Southern Ohio Delivers Much-Needed Necessities To Eastern Kentuckians

When tragedy strikes, organized labor steps up. After seeing the days of horrific news about the flooding in Eastern Kentucky, Ohio union members around the Kentucky border new they had to step up to help so many in need.

Within a few days, the SE Labor Federation and AFSCME Council 8 led an effort to purchase and deliver $5,800 of items from cleaning supplies to tents and dog food.  Ohio AFL-CIO staff representative Mike French hooked up the trailer to his pick-up truck and drove the supplies into Kentucky where those in need were grateful.

"To see so many in tears of appreciation for the items we were able to bring is humbling. I think they were crying as much for the donations as they were touched that fellow citizens cared enough about them to help out," said AFSCME Council 8 Regional Director John Johnson. "In a time where polarization has made some of us cynical about our fellow Americans, this is a true reminder of what our labor movement is all about" Solidarity in the face of adversity."

The AFSCME Council 8 locals that donated were:

Local 771, City of Ironton

Local 1699, Ohio University

Local 3413, Jackson County Engineers

Local 1039, City of Portsmouth

Local 1252, O'Bleness Hospital

Local 2710, Morgan County Engineers

 Local 3387, Pike County JFS

"When we got the call from John (Johnson), it was a no-brainer for us. It was the quickest 'YES' vote we've had as a union," AFSCME Local 1309 President Stuart Davis said. "But we really owe it all to Vice President Casey Bragdon. He was the one to immediately went shopping to buy the items for donation once we got member approval. We make a lot of donations at Christmas time, but whenever our neighbors are in need, we as labor do our best to step up to help."

The Southeast ALF is looking to make a second trip to Kentucky with more donations. If you are interested in helping, reach out to Mike French.