Union ironworker dies after workplace accident at Benson High School---Let's Help Her Family!

 From Northwest Labor Press:

Members of Ironworkers Local 29 are grieving the loss of a coworker who died after on-the-job injuries at the Benson High School remodel project.

Battle Ground resident Samantha “Sam” Deschenes, 33, was a fourth-year apprentice and actively involved member of the union. She was injured May 30 in an accident involving a forklift, and died in a hospital two days later. Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.

Local 29 issued a statement saying the family has requested privacy and respect as they grieve. Deschenes leaves behind a nine-year-old son. The Local is calling for contributions to support her family online at ironworkerscu.org/donate or by mailing a check or calling the credit union at (877) 769-4766.

A Very Important Post Asking For Solidarity With A Union Sister & Activist

We have a union and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists sister here in Oregon who is in urgent need of assistance. the details are as given below. This post is lifted from an appeal making the rounds. I know  Nanette "d" Carter-Jafri and I have donated because her great work has motivated me over the years. Also, what happened to her could happen to most anyone who does the kinds of homecare work that she does. Please assist if you possibly can by donating to help cover her needs via https://www.gofundme.com/f/rent-assistance-for-assaulted-member-leader.

Nanette "d" Carter-Jafri is a Care Provider who was recently assaulted by a stranger as they were completing a task for their consumer. They suffered injuries that forced them to stop working for the consumer. "D" has been out of work for a whle due to this and has been struggling to make ends meet. She is hoping that the generosity of friends, co-workers, union brothers and sisters and SEIU workers and staff will be able to help her raise $3000.00 to keep her in her home this winter.

I have not had to honor to meet "D" so I reached out to a member of AFRAM to learn more about her:

You may meet her in the Forum Building or at SEIU events. Knowledgeable on everything Union with a passion for showcasing her in every way. "D"is a beloved Member from Local 99 as a PSW, PCA and a HCW. She has been a trailblazer with many hats as a Steward, HomeCare Director for District 1 and AFRAM President. She has brought awareness to important topic both to the Local and her Caucus community. D has been actively volunteering and teaching other members on how to be active in their Union for many years and is continuing to show the path to other future leaders.

During one of her nights assisting her consumer D has suffered an attack by a assailant who used hateful and discriminatory language. Due to this attack D had to remove herself from the unsafe workplace and is currently out of work to recover. Now D has at risk of losing her home during this time. Caucus Members, Members, and other Union siblings are requesting you to help their beacon of light from this dark moment and show that an injury to one is an injury to all!

Please donate what you can to help D with her recovery and keep her home this winter.