IAM Local 2018 members in Indianapolis provided support to federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown. As part of the IAM Midwest Territory’s H.E.L.P.S. program, volunteers from the union spent a day at Gleaner Food Bank, where they packed over 6,800 frozen and refrigerated meals for TSA employees and their families working at Indianapolis International Airport.
During the shutdown, TSA employees were required to work without pay, leading many to face food insecurity. IAM Local 2018 members organized this effort to help those impacted.
“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.”
The initiative highlighted how union solidarity can extend beyond workplaces into broader community support.
“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.”
The event was organized through the efforts of several IAM Local 2018 leaders including 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 ongoing commitment of IAM Midwest Territory to support working people both professionally and within their communities.
