100's Shop Stewards from Windows of the World. I will be in further touch as our leaders in New York find ways for the rest of us to be helpful. In the meantime, I would ask that all of us begin collecting money to help our members and their families in New York in their time of grief and horror. I hope every Local Union will begin collections among our rank and file members, and that every Local will also contribute to the utmost. Checks should be sent to the International Union and made out to HERE New York Assistance Fund.
Every tragedy brings with it powerful human response.
We will learn more in the days and weeks to come, but for now I want to say how proud I am of HERE members in hotels, airports, restaurants, cafeterias and colleges in New York, and throughout North American. Our members responded magnificently, struggling through their own emotions and fears, in the best tradition of the hospitality industry, to take care of frantic travelers, customers, workers, and students. Often our members are unsung but they are needed heroes. I am also mindful that many of our members throughout North America will experience job loss because of travel restrictions. Please let me know if you have thoughts about other appropriate responses.