Maximillian Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Real News Network and Chris Albright, an East Palestine, Ohio resident, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an upcoming event in East Palestine that hopes to urge President Joe Biden to utilize the Stafford Act to help residents of the region following 2023’s Norfolk Southern derailment.
Alvarez spoke about an event in East Palestine, Ohio, this Saturday, March 23, focused on the demand to urge President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for the area. The event is being hosted by the newly formed Justice for East Palestine Residents and Workers Coalition. A combination of unionists, environmental activists, community organizers and supporters are working with the area's residents to form the Coalition. Alvarez recapped the events since the derailment in February 2023 and how this event came to be.
A former foreman and member of LIUNA Local 1058 based in Pittsburgh, Chris Albright, is one of the residents impacted by the derailment. Albright outlined how his condition has changed from before and after the derailment and how he handled receiving the news that he couldn’t work due to his newly diagnosed disability. Since Albright’s diagnosis and loss of his job in April of 2023, he has lost his access to healthcare, leading to an increasing amount of medical bills. Albright talked about what he’s been doing to try and make ends meet but outlined his desire to return to work and take care of his family.
This weekend's event hopes to pressure President Biden to use the Stafford Act to issue a major disaster declaration as the first step to giving residents some of the help they need. The Stafford Act would effectively authorize assistance for structural repair that may not be relevant for public health incidents and provide resources like immediate healthcare for residents in the area. Alvarez talked about the impact these declarations have made in past cases and why union leaders need to be involved in the efforts of the Coalition. Albright said that the event has already grown beyond its initial location and will instead take place at East Palestine Park, for more information, you can visit Alvarez and Albright’s social media pages.
Listen to the show above to hear more about Albright and the East Palestine event this weekend.