DaytonDailyNews.com

Layoffs caused by the Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing work stoppage is causing local workers and their families to seek emergency food relief in record numbers, local labor and United Way officials said Tuesday, April 1.

They held a news conference at the AFL-CIO Food Pantry in the basement of the United Way building, 184 Salem Ave., to announce additional help while the strike continues.

Labor officials estimated the work stoppage has caused the layoffs of more than 3,300 employees who work locally at the Moraine General Motors Corp. truck plant, Johnson Controls in West Carrollton, Plastech Industries and DMAX Ltd. on Dryden Road.

More than 900 individuals have accessed the pantry already this year, about three times as many as this time a year ago, officials said.

About 350 people came in two days last week, causing the Labor Food Pantry to run out of food Thursday. A partial food order was received Friday and a full order came Tuesday from its food provider, the Foodbank.

The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area plans to use a grant of up to $50,000 from its Dislocated Workers Fund to purchase additional food for the pantry.

"These are hard-working families who are being laid off because of the economic issues that are going on across the country," United Way's President Marc Levy said.

And as early as next week, two additional pantry sites will be set up in local union halls, UAW Local 696 and IUE-CWA Local 798.

"It's not easy for our people," said Joe Buckley, president of UAW Local 696. "They worked and maintained a good living to have to turn to something like this. I think it makes it easier for them to come and get it from people they know."

Galen Turner, president of IUE-CWA Local 798, said the pantry is a great help to those laid off since early March due to the strike.

"It's still dragging on. We hope it will be ending soon and people can get back to work but, until then, we think this is a great opportunity to ... help our community and workers."

Wesley Wells, executive director of the AFL-CIO Dayton Miami Valley Regional Labor Council, noted many of the workers who need assistance now have designated their United Way donations through the years to benefit the pantry.

Those needing assistance can call the United Way's HelpLink 2-1-1 at (937) 225-3000.

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