IAM Local 2018 members in Indianapolis have 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 preparing over 6,800 frozen and refrigerated meals for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and their families at Indianapolis International Airport.
Due to the shutdown, TSA employees were required to continue working without pay, leading many to experience food insecurity. IAM Local 2018 members responded by organizing 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.”
Union members highlighted that solidarity extends beyond their workplaces and into the broader community. Their actions aimed to provide tangible help to families 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 organizers included Gault, Business Representative Chet Robbins, and Executive Secretary Marsh Lewis. The event was supported by guidance from Gleaner Food Bank staff and collaboration with community partners.
“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 IAM Midwest Territory’s ongoing commitment to supporting working people both professionally and within their neighborhoods.
