(BLET National President Don Hahs issued the following statement today regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.)
CLEVELAND, September 1 — Facing the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States, it is time for all BLET members to come to the aid of their Brothers and Sisters who have been impacted by this tragedy.
On behalf of the BLET National Division, I extend sympathy to those who have suffered loss due to Hurricane Katrina. The level of death and destruction is incomprehensible and I ask all members of the BLET to join me in keeping the victims and survivors in our thoughts and prayers.
The BLET National Division is in the process of gathering information on its members who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. We will contact them and put them in touch with the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund. We will also offer additional assistance to help them get back on their feet.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, many families have been left in need of shelter, clothing, clean water, food and other basic necessities. Right now, many BLET Brothers and Sisters may be homeless and jobless because of this disaster. Worse, some may have suffered the loss of a friend or a loved one.
I ask all BLET members to extend a helping hand. Please make a tax-deductible donation to the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund. In an organization as large as ours, you can be sure that numerous members will turn to the Disaster Relief Fund for help.
Only by coming together in this time of need can we hope to overcome the tremendous loss and devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina.
Donation checks should be made payable to “Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund” and mailed to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 25 Louisiana Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.