Environmentalism and union work might seem like “an awkward partnership,” one local activist said, but leaders in two organizations believe it’s important to help union members who are without jobs right now.
“It might seem like a pipe dream in Indiana currently to move to a regenerative economy, but I think solidarity with union workers is a great first step to building trust with our organization and hopefully that leads to a more dynamic conversation with workers and union leaders,” said Lisa Vallee, a Whiting resident and organizing director for Just Transition Northwest Indiana.
“I never complain about hardworking (United Steelworkers) members who are just trying to make a living by keeping us safe.”
Just Transition Northwest Indiana and the Hammond Community Garden partnered for a resource drive for more than 800 USW Local 7-1 members who are locked out of the BP Whiting Refinery. Members have been locked out since March, and the union and company are expected to return to negotiations May 18.
“It’s about the men and women of Local 7-1 who are standing up for unions and workers worldwide by saying, ‘We deserve more, and we won’t stop until we get it,’” Vallee said. “I believe that means we all should do whatever we can to support them as they go without salaries.”
So far, the resource drive has collected canned goods and non-perishable food items, and personal items, including shampoo, deodorant, diapers, toilet paper and paper towels. JTNWI and the Hammond Community Garden have also partnered with businesses, including Grindhouse Cafe and Fuzzyline Brewing, for donation locations.
They’ve also created an Amazon wish list for people to buy items and have them shipped directly to the union hall, located at 2045 Schrage Ave. in Whiting.
The resource drive goes until the end of May, Vallee said.
“We started on May 1 in celebration of May Day, or International Workers Day,” Vallee said. “It’s been really great getting to hear from the union that they appreciate this initiative, and it’s especially fruitful for all of us.”
Myke Salazar, a member of the Hammond Community Garden, said the organization is rooted in community and solidarity.
“For us, that means doing what we can to support the people that live in our communities,” Salazar said. “It just seemed like an opportunity to really show solidarity and put it into action.”
The Hammond Community Garden has done previous resource drives, including when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were at risk. The response has been slower for this drive, Salazar said, but he hopes it picks up soon.
“We want to be able to get these resources to the people who are currently locked out of their jobs,” Salazar said. “These people are locked out of their positions, and we want to do what we can to support them and figure something out to help until they’re back in their positions.”
Carolina Ramsey, USW officer, said the union hall has received “a lot of” Amazon packages from the online wish list. They’ve received mostly diapers, wipes, toilet paper and soap in the last few days.
“Our members love to see that people are supporting from all over the place,” Ramsey said. “We’re really appreciative of everything that people are doing for us. … We’re appreciative that we have a backing from people who don’t even know us, and it’s been great motivation for (members) to keep them coming out and staying strong.”
As the lockout continues, USW has emergency insurance for members, and they’ve given members a list of where to receive cheap medication or testing, if needed. They also have information about food banks or SNAP benefits.
Running the resource drive has been rewarding for Vallee, she said, and she hopes that it creates a partnership going forward for the organizations and the union.
“The main goal is to really help these families who are going without paychecks,” Vallee said. “Getting as many items for them is the top priority.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
