Minn. Teamsters Push Gov. In Bridge Rebuilding

Teamsters Local 120, which represents nearly 14,000 members and is the largest Teamsters Local Union in Minnesota, is pressing Governor Tim Pawlenty and the state legislature for change to the state's transportation policy.

"The bridge collapse was a tragedy for the Twin Cities, for Minnesota and for the nation," says Teamsters Local 120 President Brad Slawson. "The horrific loss of lives -- including that of a Teamster delivery driver -- is testament to the need for fundamental change."

"Rebuilding the bridge is an important first step," continues Slawson. "However, the new bridge must represent more than a mere span of concrete and steel. Instead, it must serve as a monument to Minnesota's renewed commitment to safe, efficient and responsible transportation."

Teamsters Local 120 urged Pawlenty to view bridge reconstruction as a matter of practicality rather than politics. "Teamsters Local 120 members -- along with thousands of union members employed in the building trades -- are ready, willing and able to contribute to the
reconstruction of the I-35W bridge," Slawson says. "It's a matter of pride and patriotism. Allowing these union members to put their skills to work will mean getting a quick and quality rebuild. It will also provide good jobs to construction workers who have been idled by an industry slowdown."

Given the tragic circumstances, Slawson expressed confidence that Governor Pawlenty would not succumb to the political temptation of directing bridge reconstruction work to non-union contractors that traditionally support Republicans. "Safety, not politics, should be
Minnesota's first concern," he says. Slawson says he didn't think that Pawlenty's recent request for the assistance of Minnesota's congressional delegation in securing regulatory waivers should be used as an excuse to suspend labor standards.

However, Slawson says he is concerned about the Minnesota Department of Transportation's (MnDOT) pace in awarding preliminary contracts and requiring prequalification submissions. "Some degree of urgency is obviously necessary under the circumstances, but MnDOT must recognize that the tragedy of the bridge collapse does not somehow trump the applicability of state and federal labor laws during reconstruction," says Slawson. "Minnesotans support a reconstruction timeline that results in a responsibly built bridge that will safely serve motorists for years to come. They aren't interested in hurriedly and haphazardly assembling something more akin to a political prop than a long-lasting bridge."

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Salvation Army Responds to Bridge Collapse

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel are bringing physical, emotional and spiritual aid to hundreds of survivors and relief workers following the I-35W bridge collapse yesterday evening in Minneapolis.

Four people perished in the collapse and the death toll is expected to climb. Scores of people were injured.

Three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and 15 volunteers are on scene at the collapse. One vehicle is stationed on north side of the Mississippi River at 2nd ST SE and 8th Ave., and in the south at 1201 West River Rd. The third unit is at the recovery area of 354 East River Pkwy.

Salvation Army volunteers are providing food and water, donated by Cub Foods, for relief workers and survivors, and also offering spiritual and emotional care. The Salvation Army has so far served about 450 people.

Fargo Salvation Army Captain Adam Moore witnessed the collapse. He was about a half mile south of the bridge on Washington Ave., ready to head north on I-35W.

Once he realized what had happened, he immediately began coordinating Salvation Army disaster services efforts and offered spiritual care to people at the scene.

"This is why the Salvation Army exists," Moore says. "We help people make sense of tragedy and help them put the pieces back together."

The Salvation Army responds to calls for help from local law enforcement and becomes part of the Emergency Operation Center set up in times of disaster. Salvation Army emergency staff and volunteers are trained both in food service and Critical Incident Stress Management.

Monetary donations may be sent your local Salvation Army earmarked "Disaster Relief," made online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

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