October 13, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

It has been over three (3) weeks since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. The destruction by the hurricane was massive. To see some photos of the destruction, please go to this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/T5FEKn55eUkH7oFL2 . However, the aftermath has devastated the Island. Three weeks – 95% of the country is still without power. Three weeks – more than half the people have no running water. Too many people go to bed hungry. Too many go to bed without a roof over their heads. It’s been raining for days. Deadly diseases – like Leptospirosis and Malaria – are beginning to develop.

Our UAW members and their families living on the Island are facing horrific conditions resulting from Maria. Many cities remain cut off from all communication and distribution networks. The situation is dire, and it is unknown when basic needs like food, water, fuel and power will be restored.

 We, in the UAW, do not have the ability to solve this humanitarian crisis. But we do have the ability to aid our 10,000 UAW sisters and brothers who live and work in Puerto Rico. Please view the following testimonial from one of our Puerto Rico sisters by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/Ad_iRA8ARSs.

UAW Region 9A has launched a campaign to raise funds online to be distributed, on the basis of need, directly to UAW members and their families. To donate please go to: bit.ly/UAWforPR.

The lives and the future of our Puerto Rico members are in peril. Let’s do all we can to show them that they are not forgotten and that we stand with them.

*If you prefer to send a check, you may send it to UAW Region 9A, 111 South Road, Farmington, CT 06032. Checks should be made payable to UAW Region 9A, and marked "Puerto Rico Relief.”

In Solidarity,

Julie, Bev and Jose

JK/BB/JM:jl

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