2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year, so as we approach its conclusion, we're starting a new tradition: Celebrating our local unions and sharing our gratitude for their work in our community. Every month, we'll gather up the best examples of the spirit of solidarity by our local unions and share them. This month, we're celebrating...
Laborers International Union of North America Local 169, who donated $12,500 in grocery store gift cards to seven local nonprofits in northern Nevada to support the local community in this time of need.
The seven nonprofits that received the donations are: The Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada & The St. Vincent's Programs, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Eloy Jara, President of Laborers Union Local 169, stated, “We at Local 169 know many families are struggling to put food on the table right now, and we want to help the local community meet this basic need. That’s why we decided to help with this donation totaling $12,500. We hope this provides food to those needing it most at this critical time.”
U.A. Local 350, who joined the Reno Rodeo Foundation for their #DenimDrive to help load toys into Nevada Division of Child and Family Services trucks. These presents will be safely delivered to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in thirteen Northern Nevada counties. Together, they are bringing holiday joy and happiness to children even in these incredibly challenging times.
CWA 9413, who hosted an informational picket outside St. Mary's Hospital and gained ten new St. Mary's members, including three in Dietary, as a direct result! They have also seen a marked difference in attitude by St. Mary’s at the bargaining table, successfully negotiating improved hazard pay and temporarily halting elective surgeries to free up more beds for COVID patients. They added, "All these positive results couldn’t have happened without the help of the CLC. On behalf of CWA Local 9413, thank you very much."
And lastly, we here at the Northern Nevada Central Labor Council have partnered with United Labor Agency of Nevada to bring emergency financial assistance for food and gas to those in need. We still have gift cards available - if you are in need, please contact us at info@nnclc.org.
If you have news about good deeds or victories for one of our Local Unions, please let us know. We'd love to feature you next month.
We wish you all a very merry holiday season - and a happy end of 2020!
In Solidarity,
Northern Nevada Central Labor Council