Eastern Shipbuilding Offers Employee Assistance

Eastern Shipbuilding Group has announced plans to offer aid to its employees that were affected by Hurricane Michael, which made landfall October 10 just east of Panama City, Fla. Eastern Shipbuilding operates a pair of shipyards in the Panama City area.

“The damage caused by Hurricane Michael has affected our community and our lives,” Eastern Shipbuilding President Joey D’Isernia said in a statement. “As a family-owned business, we consider our employees part of our family and they are our first priority. We remain committed to doing everything we can to help them through this difficult time.”

Currently, the shipyard is offering onsite meals for employees, along with water, ice and other supplies that employees can take home. According to the company, temporary accommodations are also being installed at the shipyard for families in dire need. For hourly employees, the shipyard is offering interest-free loans to offset reduced work hours leading up to the storm.

“Although we were significantly impacted by this catastrophic weather event, we are making great strides each day thanks to the strength and resiliences of our employees,” D’Isernia said. “We are filled with hope and pride as we see family, neighbors and volunteers helping each other, and we are grateful to our partners, customers and federal and state lawmakers that have assisted us so far on our path to recovery.”

Eastern has also established an “Eastern Shipbuilding Employee Fund” on GoFundMe, which at press time had already garnered more than $105,000.