[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 1997

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late John 
Sturdivant, President of the American Federation of Government 
Employees.
  Mr. Sturdivant passed away on October 28, 1997, after a long, heroic 
fight against leukemia. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to Mr. 
Sturdivant's family. I hope it is of some comfort to the family to know 
that John greatly improved the lives of many through his work with the 
AFGE.
  Through charismatic and innovative leadership, John Sturdivant 
brought the American Federation of Government Employees to prominence. 
He strived to increase wages and improve working conditions and 
benefits for Federal employees. Whether faced with government 
downsizing or budget cuts, John Sturdivant would face the situation 
with strength and determination. He consistently, and successfully, 
fought for Federal employees and the 600,000 workers he represented are 
sure to feel his loss.
  John Sturdivant will be missed not only by his family, but by all the 
Federal employees he represented, as well as those with whom he 
bargained. It is a rare individual who possesses the talent and skills 
demonstrated by John Sturdivant in his many years of service to the 
labor movement.
  Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to John Sturdivant for his 
achievements as the progressive leader of the American Federation of 
Government Employees.

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