[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1197-E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF IDA INEZ BERROCAL TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a 
respectful tribute to Ida Inez Berrocal Torres, who is being honored 
this evening by the Queens Women's Political Caucus. Ms. Torres has 
been in the forefront of workers' rights, particularly the rights of 
women and Hispanic workers. The most accurate portrait of Ms. Torres 
comes from Ms. Torres herself, as she describes herself as a ``worker 
for workers.''
  Ms. Torres' involvement in the labor movement covers all facets: she 
has been an organizer, teacher, leader, and elected union official. Her 
advocacy work in the labor movement began with her position as a 
telephone operator in the union. In 1965, after a strike at 
Bloomingdale's, the workers petitioned that Ida become their union 
organizer for local 3 of United Storeworkers. In 1977, she was elected 
vice president of local 3, RWDSU, and continues in that capacity today.
  Ida's work also has influence on the national level. She currently 
represents RWDSU on the national executive board of the Coalition of 
Labor Union Women, serves on the executive board of the New York City 
Labor Council, and is president of the Hispanic Labor Committee and 
Advisory Committee to the New York City Central Labor Council.
  Ida's role as a teacher has been equally important in the labor 
movement. She has served as an instructor in labor studies at Cornell 
University, New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations, 
and the Harry Van Arsdale Center for Labor Studies, State University of 
New York.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
Ida Inez Berrocal Torres. I am honored to have such a great woman and 
leader in my district.

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