IAM Local 2018 in Indianapolis has provided support to federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown. Members participated in the IAM Midwest Territory’s H.E.L.P.S. program, volunteering at Gleaner Food Bank to pack over 6,800 frozen and refrigerated meals for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and their families at Indianapolis International Airport.
Due to the shutdown, TSA employees were required to work without pay, leading many to face food insecurity. IAM Local 2018 members responded by assisting these workers.
“Our members didn’t think twice,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “When working families in our communities struggle, we stand with them. TSA employees keep our airports safe every single day and supporting them in difficult times is simply the right thing to do.”
IAM Local 2018 emphasized that union solidarity includes helping the broader community during challenging times.
“Seeing our members shoulder to shoulder – sorting food, packing thousands of pounds of groceries for local TSA families – showed once again that solidarity isn’t just a word, it’s an action,” said IAM Local 2018 Directing Business Representative David Gault. “The gratitude from the families we served made the day unforgettable.”
The initiative involved several key individuals from IAM Local 2018, including Gault, Business Representative Chet Robbins, and Executive Secretary Marsh Lewis.
“I want to thank the Gleaner Food Bank team for welcoming us and guiding this work, and to our IAM Local 2018 Executive Committee and community partners whose support makes these events possible,” Gault added.
This outreach effort is part of the ongoing commitment by IAM Midwest Territory to support working people both professionally and within their communities.
