Dear Sisters and Brothers:
As wildfires continue to affect Spokane, Washington, and surrounding communities, our thoughts are with every IAM member and family in the region, including our District 142 members who may be facing evacuations, smoke, uncertainty, property loss, or disruption to daily life. Recent reports describe multiple fast-moving fires in and around Spokane, large-scale evacuations, significant structure loss, and continuing air quality concerns across the area. Members should continue to follow directions from local emergency officials and use official evacuation and public safety resources for the most current information.
In moments like this, the word union means more than a contract or a workplace. It means family. When one part of our IAM family is hurting, all of us stand with them. We want every member in the Spokane area to know that they are not alone. Your union has your back, and we are ready to help in any way we can, whether that means connecting members with resources, helping them navigate available assistance, or simply making sure they know someone is standing beside them.
Members impacted by the fires are strongly encouraged to review the IAM Disaster Relief Fund information and guides, which are available at https://www.goiam.org/disaster-relief-guides/. This resource is designed to support IAM members and families during disasters and can help members understand what assistance may be available and how to begin the process of requesting help.
District 142 members should also remember that our Employee Assistance Program is available at https://atd142.org/eap/. You may also contact EAP Director Paul Shultz directly by calling or texting him at (704) 907-3563 or by email at pshultz@iamdl142.org. The EAP is a confidential resource for members and families who may need support during a stressful or traumatic event, including help with emotional well-being, crisis support, family concerns, and referrals to additional services. No member should feel they have to carry the weight of this situation alone.
For immediate local updates and recovery information, members in the Spokane area should monitor official local resources, including:
- Spokane Complex Fire Community Resource Hub: https://greaterspokane.org/fire-resources/
- American Red Cross, Northwest Region: https://www.redcross.org/local/washington.html
- Washington State Dept of Health: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality/smoke-fires/partner-toolkit
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality/smoke-fires/partner-toolkit
Local community resource hubs have also pointed residents to assistance through organizations such as local food and emergency relief providers, and other Spokane-area partners.
If you are under an evacuation order, please leave immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If you are in an area affected by smoke, limit outdoor exposure where possible, keep indoor air as clean as you safely can, and check on family members, coworkers, neighbors, and retirees who may need additional help. Safety comes first. Materials, paperwork, and other concerns can be dealt with later; people cannot be replaced.
To every IAM member and family in the Spokane area: please stay safe, stay informed, and reach out if you need assistance. We will continue to do what union family does best: look out for one another.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Paul Shultz
EAP Director
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