Union Members Respond to Weekend Storm

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)As local residents took cover from the storm that swept through Friday night, area union members were quick to jump into action all weekend. Firefighters – members of IAFF 36 – braved the storm to help residents, while using Twitter  to keep them apprised of the situation. Reporters represented by the Newspaper Guild were integral to getting information out to residents both online and in print. Members of IBEW and CWA continue working to bring electricity back to residents without power. “There are so many union members who have been integral to the response to this storm" said Metro Council President Jos Williams. "I want to personally commend these workers who have truly gone above and beyond in this time of need.” “When someone asks, ‘What does the union do?’” added Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation President Dan Duncan, “we can tell them ‘whatever it takes to get the job done!’” Email streetheat@dclabor.org to share how your local is responding to community needs after the storm. - photo of workers removing fallen trees to restore electrical lines in Huntington, MD by Mark Wilson/Getty Images