Thank you, Dunkirk!

I would like to recognize our Brothers and Sisters in labor and neighbors in the Dunkirk area.

I’m sure you are aware of the tragedy in Flint, Mich. A very bad decision was made to change the water source in Flint, from Lake Huron to the Flint River.

On March 11 Peter DeJesus of the Area Labor Federation and I traveled from Buffalo to Dunkirk to pick up bottled water and money that was collected for the residents of Flint.

The outpouring of support from the Dunkirk area was absolutely overwhelming. When we spoke to Doug Stock, President of the Dunkirk Central Labor Council, he informed us of how much water was donated. We had to return the truck we had rented for a much larger one.

Upon arrival at the pier we were welcomed by more than 20 volunteers. We needed every one of them in order to load the truck. Gallons upon gallons of water, along with over two thousand dollars in monetary donations.

Dunkirk Labor and residents should be very proud. The residents of the East side of Flint, mostly minorities living below the poverty line, were so grateful for the consideration shown to them by complete strangers, fellow Americans, who I’m sure are appalled at the situation Flint residents find themselves in through no fault of their own.

As heartwarming as it was to hear, see, and in some cases feel the gratitude shown to us, it affected all of us. I for one am very angry that the issue has not been resolved. It bothers me that there is little concern shown for the generations who are going to be affected by this. We saw the rashes on people’s skin, we heard of the illnesses, and deaths from exposure.

There is no unlimited source of clean water for these people. They have to travel or wait in lines when it is available.

I can’t fathom having to make the choice of whether to use what purified bottled water I have, to cook, bathe, or brush my teeth with. They have to and they are persevering. How much longer will they have to wait?

No one stands alone as long as Union Labor is around.

It was a wonderful gesture Dunkirk. Be proud. Be thankful.

Thank you to the Jamestown, Cattaraugus/Allegheny, Niagara, Orleans labor councils as well for all their support.

John Mudie is president of the Buffalo Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.