September 5, 2005
 

Dear Brothers & Sisters:
 

In the horrific aftermath of our nation’s worst national disaster, countless numbers of our Brothers
and Sisters in the Southern Division; specifically in New Orleans, have been left devastated by the
catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina. For those lucky enough to have survived, many of these
Brothers and Sisters and their families have lost virtually everything they own and have worked for
their entire lives. The images shown over the last several days by national media coverage only
begins to scratch the surface of what these unfortunate Members will have to endure now, and in the
months, if not years ahead.

Those Brothers and Sisters and their families need our collective help NOW! After making
numerous inquires as to what would be the most effective way for us to offer our help, the GCA has
learned that there are several traditional means by which our Membership can contribute to this
worthy cause to assist those disadvantaged by this disaster (i.e) American Red Cross, National
Disaster Relief, Catholic Charities, etc. Furthermore, IBT General President Hoffa and BLET
President Hahs have also asked for the entire Teamster Membership to donate to the IBT Disaster
Relief Fund. There is also a similar relief effort underway by the BLET Grand International
Auxiliary (GIA) Certainly, donations to any of the above mentioned funds would be of some
assistance to those in need.

However, Brother C. V. Rudd, Local Chairman, Amtrak Division 35, Jacksonville, FLA, has made
a direct request to the GCA for financial contributions from all Amtrak Divisions to be sent to
Division 35's Secretary-Treasurer for disbursal to the most severely affected Members of Division
18 in New Orleans. Division 35 believes we should take a more personal approach to “help our
own” by channeling our concerted assistance and relief efforts directly to those of our Amtrak
Brothers and Sisters and their families in Division 18.

The GCA will continue to inquire about the most effective way for us to make our contributions
bring about the most beneficial impact and reach those in most need. My office will advise as to
those findings accordingly within the next few days. However, in the interim, because our actions
here must be timely, I fully concur with the sentiments of Division 35 and commend them for their
efforts in this crucial situation. Given that, the GCA is reaching out to all Amtrak/MBCR/Connex
Divisions and asking those divisions to begin soliciting meaningful contributions from their
respective Memberships immediately.

In closing, it should be understood that the GCA Executive Committee and I fully understand that
with the present economy, soaring gas prices, the Amtrak funding crisis, service cutbacks, and no
immediate signs of resolving our collective bargaining agreement dispute with Amtrak, many of us
are focused on making ends meet in our own personal lives. However, on this Labor Day, a day on
which we should all stand proudly together as ONE, I sincerely believe there is no better way for us
to demonstrate our solidarity and concern for the welfare of our own Brothers and Sisters and their
families by reaching into our hearts and pockets to assist those in dire need of our help and
assistance.

Thank you in advance for what should prove to be our most successful relief effort to date and the
generous contributions I remain confident will be made by our entire Membership at this critically
important time.
 

In solidarity, I remain
 

Fraternally yours,
Mark B. Kenny
General Chairman