We were back on several picket lines today, but with the LAMC line still shut down due to the wildfires several of us volunteered throughout the Los Angeles metro area to help fire victims.
One group of volunteers helped out at 9thirtyLA, a performance space that is also being used as a temporary shelter for people displaced by the fire. NUHW members helped organize the shelter, set up food, and distribute items.
Another group of workers went to the Santa Anita racetrack, where they said there were so many donated items that it looked “like a landfill” or “the worst swap meet ever.’ The workers helped sort toys and clothing. They also did interviews with Good Day Los Angeles and Telemundo, and got a few words of encouragement from other volunteers who said, “we’re rooting for you.”
“It kind of gives you a reality check,” said Linda Cortes, a striking worker. “It’s a reminder to be grateful for what you have no matter what.”
Here are recommended volunteer opportunities for the next two days:
Tuesday: LCS Food boxing and distribution
- What: Packing food boxes for members
- Where: 5600 K St., Bell Gardens (packing and loading boxes); NUHW Glendale and Buena Park (distribution)
- When: 8:30am-11am (packing and loading); 12-4pm (distribution support)
- Bottomline: Carolina Sagastume – (323) 304-5206
Wednesday: The House LA
- What: Sorting, organizing, distributing
- Where: 18355 Roscoe Blvd., Los Angeles
- When: Starts at 8am
- Register here: https://brushfire.com/goodneighbordayssocal/goodneighborreliefefforts/595611
- Bottomline: Adriana Webb
Wednesday: LA Regional Food Bank
- What: Boxing and sorting food donations
- Where: 1734 E. 41st Street, Los Angeles
- When: Varies
- Register here: https://www.lafoodbank.org/volunteer/
Picket Line Updates
- The only picket line on Tuesday will be in San Diego. The Riverside line has been cancelled due to a forecast of high winds.
- Today, we had strong lines in Anaheim, San Diego, and Fontana, where the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice marched with us.
- Reminder that we will have an all-member Town Hall via Zoom at 10 a.m. this Sunday, January 19.
Hardship funds
Due to the extenuating circumstances this week, and the cancellation of several picket lines, the hardship fund committee will be flexible as possible when considering applications. However, to be considered for funds, we ask that you participate in as many pickets as possible. Volunteering to help fire victims will also count as a picket shift this week. The committee asks that you include any pertinent information in the notes section.
Picket line photos
See the gallery of photos below, and see more on NUHW’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Solidarity Stickers
As we prepare to return to the bargaining table on Thursday, we are planning a solidarity action with other unions inside Kaiser facilities. We will be distributing stickers to members of other unions as well as to NUHW members who have returned to work but still support our fight.
