If you, like me, have been wondering where the hotel labor unions are in all this post-Katrina chaos, this just in about Unite Here, which has thousands of hospitality industry members out of work and out of a home.
The union is working on a national level to provide safe drinking water, shelter and food for many UNITE HERE members
living and working in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states. It also is working on arranging financial assistance and short-term shelter—something that's already under way on the local level. Some employers also have promised to continue salary and health benefits. A crisis hotline is in the works as well.
The union has already set up a disaster relief fund that will be used to help its members get back on their feet.