Nonunion Ala. crews turned away from Sandy recovery

Nonunion Ala. crews turned away from Sandy recovery


Posted: Nov 01, 2012 10:05 PM CDTBy Mark Thornhill -

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY (WAFF) -The hurricane-ravaged east coast has been receiving north Alabama help, but crews from Huntsville Utilities learned they'll be doing work in Long Island, New York instead of in New Jersey.
SLIDESHOW


http://waff.images.worldnow.com/images/1856833_G.jpg
Utility crews volunteered with Sandy recovery. See photos.
http://waff.images.worldnow.com/images/1856832_G.jpg


Crews from Huntsville, as well as Decatur Utilities and Joe Wheeler out of Trinity headed up there this week, but Derrick Moore, one of the Decatur workers, said they were told by crews in New Jersey that they can't do any work there since they're not union employees.

The crews that are in Roanoke, Virginia say they are just watching and waiting even though they originally received a call asking for help from Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

The crews were told to stand down. In fact, Moore said the crew from Trinity is already headed back home.
Understandably, Moore said they're frustrated being told "thanks, but no thanks."

At least Huntsville has now found someone who wants their help.
Nonunion Ala. crews turned away from Sandy recovery - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

As a New Jersey resident, I feel that this was a horrible thing to do in an emergency situation. The people who are in need would not care if you were in a union or not and they need help. WE ARE ALL AMERICAN! You don't need a union card to be an American! Shame on those in charge that is all I have to say about this story. A heartfelt THANK YOU! to the crews that wanted to help but were turned away. I hope they do not hate New Jersey now.