The Union and the Community

During a disturbance, the union can also draw upon a community’s political leadership, community groups, local businesses, and other unions in arranging for assistance to employees, their families, and the families of hostages.

Political Leaders

Elected officials can provide:

• access to public facilities for the union's command center; and
• law enforcement officials who can provide assistance to the union as it carries out its responsibilities.

Business Leaders

Business leaders in the community can provide an array of goods, services and assistance including:

• communications equipment;
• food and beverages;
• lines of credit; and
• additional time for union members who, because of the stress associated with the disturbance and the long hours of work, require additional time to pay bills or to meet other obligations.

Other Labor Unions and Community Organizations

Representatives of other labor unions and community organizations can provide access to a wide range of resources from local volunteers to buildings.

• Organizations like the VFW or American Legion can provide meeting rooms and may be willing to either donate meals and beverages or provide them at a reasonable cost.
• Labor unions that do not represent corrections workers may be particularly eager to help, and the connections that are made under such circumstances will be stronger and longer-lasting than most.