[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 23, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H4968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ALL AMERICANS BENEFIT FROM ORGANIZED LABOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Mascara) is recognized during morning hour debates for 2 minutes.
  Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise the hard work and efforts 
that organized labor has given to this country during the past century. 
These organized groups of men and women from all walks of life are the 
backbone of the economic foundation of this great country.
  Some may argue that the creation of our great American middle class 
just happened. No. It was built on the backs of working men and women 
who belong to labor unions. All workers, including nonunion and white 
collar workers, were given the same benefits fought for by workers who 
organized and participated in the collective bargaining process.
  All Americans benefited. They benefited by having better wages, 
safety in the workplace, health care benefits and pensions. These 
benefits, as well as improved working conditions, are now under assault 
in this country. All workers in this great Nation should join together 
this week and support a day to make our voices heard.
  We must protect the strides we have made during the last half 
century. We must never go back to the days of deplorable working 
conditions. Never.




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