AFSCME MN Council 5 on I-35W Bridge Collapse

by   |  August 03, 2007

Statement by Eliot Seide, Director of AFSCME Council 5 The I-35W bridge collapse has horrified us. In America, bridges should not collapse. Today our union mourns the tragedy along with the families of those who are dead, missing and hurt. AFSCME members were on the bridge when it collapsed and we're making sure that our inspectors are safe. We already know that one inspector was injured and hospitalized for surgery. Our members who work for the Department of Transportation are committed to moving commuters safely. We welcome federal disaster relief so we can help get 35W moving again. AFSCME members are some of the everyday heroes who brought calm to this disaster. We saved lives as part of the medical teams at HCMC, took calls from motorists plunging into the river and dispatched first responders. Today, more AFSCME members have been mobilized. Blood services are being provided by our members with the St. Paul Red Cross. Our state correctional officers will begin providing additional security at the disaster site. Our members are also part of a Crisis Incident Stress Management Team that will debrief first responders and provide psychological first aid to victims. It's premature to speculate about the cause of the disaster until the National Transportation Safety Board has completed its investigation.