[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 43 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO UAW LOCAL 314 ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the UAW Local 314 as 
they celebrate their 60th anniversary. On April 5, the membership of 
this great union will celebrate with an anniversary dinner.
  In the 1930's, like most of the United States, the Detroit area was 
suffering from the Great Depression. In 1934, the Mechanic Educational 
Society of America tried to organize a union. Unfortunately, company 
resistance and union-busting activities were too strong for the 
fledgling union.
  However, in February 1937, the UAW organized 90 percent of the Long 
Manufacturing workers and on April 6, 1937, local 314 was established. 
Many of the workers remembered the difficult years before the union and 
knew how important it was to establish a strong leadership. Within 2 
months, this leadership helped win a contract that protected the 
workers' right to bargain collectively, seniority, wage increase, 
premium pay for overtime, a grievance procedure, vacation with pay, and 
the right to seek redress.
  This was a historic contract in that it laid down the ground rules 
for protecting the rights of the workers for years to come. For 60 
years, local 314 has preserved these basic rights while improving the 
working conditions for the employees.
  Even though the name Long Manufacturing has changed to Borg and 
Warner Automotive, one thing remains the same--the commitment of the 
union to protect the workers. The hard work, sacrifice, and dedication 
of the leaders and members is illustrated in the struggles that the 
union has surpassed in the past 60 years.
  I would like to congratulate the members of UAW Local 314 for their 
contribution to the labor movement on their 60th anniversary, and I 
wish them luck as they represent a new generation of union members.

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