The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1000 had nine members who work for Kroger that lost their houses or apartments in the recent tornado and they have distributed more than $10,000 so far in direct financial aid to help these members through this difficult time.
The Dallas AFLCIO is also organizing gift cards for members from all the affiliate unions to help with the union members whose property sustained damage.
The following statement was posted on the UFCW Local 1000 website:
“When disasters strike, UFCW Local 1000 stands ready to help our members. We spent the last few days checking in with Kroger stores in the affected area and making sure members and their families were safe. So far we found nine members with serious tornado damage to their homes or apartments. Their stories are heartbreaking and amazing that they and all of their families survived these tornadoes safely.
The EF-4 tornado in Garland came within a mile of hitting Kroger #403, which could have resulted in serious loss of life. We’ve delivered financial assistance quickly to each of the members with serious damage to help them through this tough time (many of them are scrambling for shelter with extended family or in hotels).”
Union officials are also asking any additional members of UFCW Local 1000 to notify them if they sustained serious property damage as a result of the tornado.
“We always do our best to help out our members when severe weather hits,” Anthony Elmo, Communications and Political Director of UFCW Local 1000, said.
Photo: Taryn Garrett, union member and employee at Kroger 403 in Garland, lost her home at one of the apartment complexes on Interstate 30. She and eight other members have been given financial donations to help them through this time.