In light of the ongoing wildfires affecting communities in and around Los Angeles, National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond released the following statement: When disaster strikes, the Labor Movement springs into action to help our communities respond and heal. The AFL-CIO stands with the heroic Union Members who work as Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, EMTs, First Responders, Health Care Workers, and City and County Workers, and everyone in Southern California putting their lives on the line to save lives, keep the roads safe, the hospitals staffed, the water and power running, and so much more during this ongoing crisis. As we meet the challenges of the coming weeks, the AFL-CIO and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor will continue to support the families who have lost everything to these horrific wildfires and the Workers who will play a central role in rebuilding.

Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is donating $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation for Fire Relief to assist Members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.

Since the fires broke out, the Union has temporarily closed its office in Los Angeles for safety’s sake, with Staff working to support Members remotely - and it has kept Members informed and connected to emergency resources. 

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said: “I want to thank and recognize our Broadcast Journalist Members who are out every day amid flames, smoke and fiery embers battling to bring this important news to the world. The destruction caused by these blazes, the loss of life and homes, has been gut-wrenching to experience, and of course our hearts go out to all affected. But we knew we could do more. We hope this pledge helps relieve suffering and assists those impacted in putting their lives back together after this calamity. I have personally been affected by the fires and I feel deeply for others who are experiencing this tragedy. These are particularly stressful times. Stress compromises the immune system so we must be mindful of taking measures to support our health.”

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said: “The very essence of a Labor Union is solidarity, that we all work to elevate each other during times of stability, and we’re there for each other in times of crisis. The devastation is hard to fathom, even for those of us living in it. We’re so fortunate to have the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as a resource and a place our Members can turn to in times of need. If you have been fortunate to have been spared direct impact from this disaster, please help out in any way you can, whether by volunteer service, helping others in need, or donating to relief funds like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: SAG-AFTRA Donates $1 Million to SAG-AFTRA Foundation for Fire Relief | SAG-AFTRA