Laborers Local 110 donates $8,500 to $5 for the Fight Fund to help union members in need

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

Laborers Local 110 has donated $8,500 to the St. Louis Labor Council’s $5 for the Fight Fund to help union members in need.

The gift couldn’t come at a better time, with the Fight Fund expecting an influx of calls for help as unemployment benefits are about to end amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and with no new help expected from the federal government until the new administration takes charge next month.

Local 110 Business Manager Don Willey said usually the union gives its members gift cards to Schnucks during its annual Christmas party, and Schnucks in turn donates percentage of the total purchase back to the union.

“We used the money Schnucks returned to us for last year’s gift cards to make the Fight Fund donation,” Willey said. “We are always happy to help our union brothers and sisters.”

Willey said the union building trades have fared well during the pandemic with only about a two percent reduction in work. Meanwhile, members of other unions, including those in the entertainment, hospitality and food industries, are struggling.

“I’m encouraging all the building trades to donate to the $5 for the Fight Fund, if they can, to help those union members who are hurting,” he said.

Labor Council President Pat White said he was grateful for the donation and encouraged all working brothers and sisters to help boost the fund if they are able.

HOW TO HELP
Donations to the $5 for the Fight Fund can be made by check or online. One hundred percent of each donation goes directly to the Fund. There are three ways to donate:

• Mail a check or money order to $5 for the Fight, c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044; please include your union affiliation.

• Online – Visit labortribune.com/5-for-the-fight to make a secure one-time donation or an automatic monthly deduction.

• Schnucks eScrip program – This is “free money,” as Schnucks donates a percentage of your purchase to the Fight Fund. It doesn’t cost you a thing. You can pick up an eScrip card at your local Schnucks store.

• Schnucks eScrip program – This is “free money,” as Schnucks donates a percentage of your purchase to the Fight Fund. It doesn’t cost you a thing. You can pick up an eScrip card at your local Schnucks store.

All efforts to promote and service the Fund are donated by the Labor Council, United Way and the Labor Tribune.