North Bergen, NJ – The International Longshoremen’s
For weeks, citizens of Newark, New Jersey, have been subjected to elevated levels of lead in their water. Long term solutions to resolve the lead problem have been proposed but the immediate need for safe drinking water remains paramount throughout Newark. Hundreds of ILA members from New York and New Jersey locals are manning ILA distribution sites, and handed out cases of bottled water throughout days and evening hours. Union Labor Life Insurance Company (ULLICO) and New York Shipping Association, Inc., have joined with the ILA and donated generous funding to support the union’s efforts to get much-needed bottled water to the residents of Newark.
John Nardi, President of New York Shipping Association said, “This is a great initiative spearheaded by Local 1233 and their President Bernard Dudley, Secretary Treasurer Buddy Smith and Local 1804-1 Business Agent/Sergeant at Arms John Daggett. We have seen the ILA under the direction of Harold Daggett and Employers on the East Coast reaching out to local port communities in need and we’re glad we can do the same for our local port community in Newark.
ILA volunteers will continue to distribute truckloads of water at the ILA distribution centers as long as needed. The union is working closely with legislators and community leaders to ensure city residents are provided needed water.
