[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 77 (Friday, June 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS ALFRED FEDERICO

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before 
you today to urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
join me in paying tribute to a pioneer who has dedicated his life to 
the working individual, Mr. Alfred Federico. Al's remarkable lifetime 
of achievements will be recognized by the Unity for Justice at a dinner 
in Flint, MI, on June 18, 1994.
  Alfred Federico began his long and distinguished career at Buick as a 
young man in the year 1927, working periodically until in 1934 the 
seniority of an employee was recorded. In 1936, he became involved in 
union activities, spurred on through his close association with Roy and 
Victor Reuther.
  When the United Automobile Workers Local 599 was chartered in 1937, 
he was the first chief steward in plant No. 31, department 17. His 
union career included being committeeman, shop committeeman, and a 
member of the political action and education committees. Al's 
reputation as a fair and effective leader was recognized by his fellow 
union members when they elected him chairman of the UAW National 
Negotiating Committee. It was during his service on this committee 
where he and Walter Reuther established a long and close friendship. To 
this day, Al keeps alive those ideas that Walter Reuther helped 
develope to enrich not only the UAW but all society. Indeed, it is 
because of people like Al that these ideas are now ingrained in our 
society.
  Brother Federico's exemplary personal history as a union man 
continues as he devotes his life to helping those who seek his 
assistance. Since his retirement in 1971, Al has continued to represent 
his union brothers and sisters by working to resolve consumers problems 
in conjunction with the consumer protection division of the Genesee 
County Prosecutors office. He has voluntarily given of his time and 
expertise in this work. To this day, Al remains active at Local 599, 
serving as a mentor and champion of worker's rights.
  On January 15, 1994, Al was presented the Mayor's Drum Major Award 
for contributing to the Flint community in the area of labor, 
exhibiting the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Mr. Speaker, Al Federico has been a sure and steady mentor of mine 
whose ideas and advice have helped form my political philosophy. 
Without a doubt, the UAW and the city of Flint are better because of Al 
Federico. I know with certitude that I am a better person because of Al 
Federico. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to bring to the 
attention of the Members of the 103d Congress and the Nation the 
outstanding achievements of this truly remarkable individual.

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