Federal employees government-wide have been forced to operate on the fly as they adjust to the new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic. One such group is the workers at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, TX, who have been deemed an essential business in their support of the American warfighter.
Despite every effort that has been made to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus locally including allowing eligible employees to telework and letting high-risk employees take leave, it is no secret that the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains dire. With the worldwide demand for PPE being so high, the depot has run into roadblocks gathering enough masks for its employees. National Federation of Federal Employees Local 2189 has chosen to step up and help in this time of need.
Local leaders were informed that Mayo Furniture, a family owned furniture manufacturer, was making cloth masks that can be cleaned and reused. The local’s executive board held an emergency virtual meeting to approve the purchase of masks for its members on the Depot. Along with the approved expenditure, Mayo donated another 10,000 disposable masks to be passed out to employees who are also having to come in and perform their duties as normal.
“I am so impressed with all that the union is doing to keep those working at Red River Army Depot safe during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin, who approved a grant to offset the cost of the masks. “Everyone knows that PPE is hard to get these days. But the union found a creative way to make the workplace safer, and I know that means a lot to the workers on Depot. This is what being a leader in the community looks like. I am so proud of NFFE Local 2189.”
The local is also passing out disposable masks to businesses in the surrounding areas. “NFFE appreciates all of the workers who have been deemed essential that are keeping the local area running,” said Local 2189 President Shane Connell. Local 2189 Vice President Chris Green also mentioned, “The local area is doing a great job of taking this situation seriously and we wanted to take care of the people who take care and work for us.”