Fund to support Babine workers and families launched by United Steelworkers

The United Steelworkers (USW) announced this week the launch of a fundraising campaign and the creation of a trust account to provide support to the workers of Babine Forest Products and their families in the wake of an explosion at the Burns Lake, B.C. sawmill.

The tragedy in Burns Lake has affected the whole community, including the many HSA members who responded to the accident and provided the life saving services the victims required. The full modern health care team was instrumental in treating the victims -- from the paramedics who responded to the scene to the team of health science professionals who provided the critical interventions and support required.

"Since the tragedy at Babine Forest Products, we have been inundated with offers of support and assistance from other unions and union members all over the province and right across the country. The labour movement is a family, and union members join all British Columbians in mourning the loss of life and injuries to our brothers and sisters in Burns Lake," says Steve Hunt, USW Director for Western Canada.

Already the labour movement has responded, with a donation of $10,000 being made by the BC Federation of Labour. CUPE BC has also made a donation to the fund of $10,000.
 
"At the very heart of the labour movement is the notion of solidarity.  Simply put, it means that when you're a union member, you'll never walk alone.  And we are sending that message to the workers at Babine Forest Products, to their families and to the community of Burns Lake; we will stand with you, we will support you and you will not have to face this alone," Hunt says.

There are several ways to make a donation payable to the "USW Burns Lake Fund".
 
To donate in person:
Attend any branch of Community Savings Credit Union:

5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver B.C.1188 8th Avenue, New Westminster, B.C.
#900-7380 King George Blvd, Surrey, B.C.
#100-1125 Nicola Avenue, Port Coquitlam, B.C.
#205-4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C.
#103-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, B.C.

Or

Drop off a sealed envelope containing your cheque at any B.C. credit union addressed to:

Community Savings Credit Union, 5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver B.C.  V5R 4H1, Transit #11740
 
To donate by mail:

Community Savings Credit Union, 5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver, B.C.  V5R 4H1

Or

USW District 3 Office, #300-3920 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4K7
 
"We are grateful for the support of unions and their members during this difficult time.  With your help and support, we'll ensure that our union brothers and sisters in Burns Lake can begin to rebuild the lives they have so proudly made for themselves and one another," says Hunt.