International Union of Operating Engineers Local 94 President Thomas Hart discussed the events of September 11, 2001 from his point of view on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

IUOE Local 94 is an Operating Engineers local union in New York City. Hart said building trades members combined their strength to help with the clean up and rebuild following the events of that day.

Hart started by mentioning that many lives were saved by New York having a primary election on that day. As many people were stuck at the polls, those exercising their right to vote may have been what saved them.

Hart said he was leaving a meeting that morning and could see the damage from the planes in his rear view mirror as he left the city, leaving him with the most surreal feeling he has ever felt once he realized what was occurring. He said they discussed the ways Local 94 could help with anything that needed done. They volunteered to help locate, save and make sure people were accounted for.

He then visited a New York City hospital. While at the hospital he said he accounted for all of his members that were hurt in the attacks. He then said he headed to ground zero to see how he could help.

After the dust settled, Hart said some Local 94 members were unaccounted for. He said after two full days they came to the conclusion that four of their members were lost in the tragedy.

He finished up the segment by highlighting the resiliency shown by New Yorkers in the days that followed. The comradery and willingness to help was staggering.

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