IAM Local 2018 members in Indianapolis provided support to federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown. Through the IAM Midwest Territory’s H.E.L.P.S. program, volunteers spent a day at Gleaner Food Bank preparing over 6,800 frozen and refrigerated meals for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and their families working at Indianapolis International Airport.
During the shutdown, TSA staff were required to continue working without pay, which led to immediate food insecurity for many of them. Members of IAM Local 2018 organized efforts to assist 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’s involvement demonstrated union solidarity beyond workplace issues, aiming to strengthen community ties while helping those facing hardship.
“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.”
Key contributors included 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 reflects the IAM Midwest Territory’s ongoing commitment to supporting working people both professionally and within their communities.
