On October 6, as Hurricane Matthew was bearing down on Florida, two of TWU’s newest members were badly injured at Orlando International Airport.
The TWU Local 525 members—baggage handlers with Swissport who recently voted to join the union—were loading a plane bound for Dublin when the accident occurred.
During the operation, a can-loader malfunctioned and engulfed both employees in flames. The specifics of the accident are still under investigation.
Our brothers Kevin Charles and Alexis Salgado were burned severely on their faces, hands and legs, suffering first, second and third degree burns as well as a broken leg from the jump to safety.
TWU Local 525 has set up a GoFundMe page to solicit donations for these injured members who face months and months of painful recovery. While lost time for these two workers will be paid at 60 percent of their normal wages, their families need our help during this challenging time and with the holiday season looming.
“Please donate what you can,” said Local 525 President Kevin Smith. “I know they can count on their TWU brothers and sisters to be there for them. It’s what ‘union’ is all about.”
To find out more and to donate, visit the Local 525 page: GoFundMe page.
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