IAM Local 2018 members in Indianapolis have provided support to federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown. Through the IAM Midwest Territory’s H.E.L.P.S. program, volunteers from the union worked at the Gleaner Food Bank, where they packed over 6,800 frozen and refrigerated meals for TSA employees and their families at Indianapolis International Airport.
TSA employees were required to continue working without pay during the shutdown, which led many to experience food insecurity. Members of IAM Local 2018 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.”
The initiative was aimed at strengthening community ties while addressing immediate needs for local families.
“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 participants included Gault, Business Representative Chet Robbins, and Executive Secretary Marsh Lewis. Gault also expressed appreciation for those who made the event possible: “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.”
This outreach reflects IAM Midwest Territory’s ongoing commitment to supporting working people both professionally and within their communities.
