FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
Emily Ryan
(202) 639-6421
(202) 639-6421
AFGE Reaches Out to TSA Employees Affected by Hurricane Gustav
(ATLANTA)—Concerned that Transportation Security Administration employees from New Orleans who were relocated to Atlanta because of Hurricane Gustav were not receiving proper attention, the American Federation of Government Employees sprung into action. AFGE reached out to Transportation Security Officers in need, providing them with funds for gas, food and other necessities.
As part of TSA’s Safe Haven policy, TSOs from New Orleans were told to evacuate the city and take their families to Atlanta, where they could work at that airport. The TSOs, however, told AFGE that they were not given FEMA credit cards, which are to be used for housing, food and incidentals.
AFGE’s District 5 staff and the members of AFGE Local 555 quickly acted to identify the relocated TSOs and provide them and their families with much-needed assistance. Because there were not funds set up for such a need, AFGE members and staff reached into their own pockets to donate money to those affected by Gustav.
AFGE took the donated money and purchased thousands of dollars worth of grocery, gas and restaurant cards. Every family was given a gas card worth at least $100. Those who had accessible kitchens also were given Kroger grocery cards, and those without cooking facilities were given restaurant gift cards.
AFGE will continue to raise money and help every member affected by Hurricane Gustav, and any other potential storms.
AFGE District 5 represents members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
AFGE Local 555 consists of Transportation Security Officers in and around Atlanta.
As part of TSA’s Safe Haven policy, TSOs from New Orleans were told to evacuate the city and take their families to Atlanta, where they could work at that airport. The TSOs, however, told AFGE that they were not given FEMA credit cards, which are to be used for housing, food and incidentals.
AFGE’s District 5 staff and the members of AFGE Local 555 quickly acted to identify the relocated TSOs and provide them and their families with much-needed assistance. Because there were not funds set up for such a need, AFGE members and staff reached into their own pockets to donate money to those affected by Gustav.
AFGE took the donated money and purchased thousands of dollars worth of grocery, gas and restaurant cards. Every family was given a gas card worth at least $100. Those who had accessible kitchens also were given Kroger grocery cards, and those without cooking facilities were given restaurant gift cards.
AFGE will continue to raise money and help every member affected by Hurricane Gustav, and any other potential storms.
AFGE District 5 represents members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
AFGE Local 555 consists of Transportation Security Officers in and around Atlanta.
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