[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING UAW LOCAL 599

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the 106th 
Congress on behalf of a group of men and women who proudly represent 
the best of working America. On Sunday, January 10, 1999 the members of 
United Automobile Workers Local 599 in Flint, Michigan will honor an 
historic milestone. On that day they will celebrate the 60th 
anniversary of their charter as a UAW local.
  If you have ever visited my birthplace, Flint, Michigan, you would be 
greeted by a sign welcoming you to ``Buick City.'' This sign embodies 
the long, deep-rooted tradition and history that is UAW Local 599. For 
the men and women of Local 599, this history involves a high level of 
pride in the Buick name, their product, and the community in which they 
have invested much of their lives.
  Over the years, the products that have been produced by the members 
of Local 599 have received numerous accolades. One of their products, 
the 3800 Engine, is largely considered by experts to be the best 6-
cylinder engine in the world. In addition their products have won 
awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports, and Smart 
Money Magazine, among others. Each of these citations have recognized 
the members of Local 599 for the excellent quality of their workmanship 
and product.
  The members of Local 599 have worked diligently to improve their 
facility's productivity and quality. They have established initiatives 
to cut in-factory repairs by over 90% and cut the time it takes to 
build a car by 25%. It is because of steps such as these that have 
allowed Buick City to be highly ranked in national quality standings, 
including a recent study in which it placed second of all General 
Motors factories.
  Mr. Speaker, I have a personal reason to be very proud of the 
achievements of UAW Local 599. My father was a founding member of the 
Local, joining the UAW in the 1930s. From my own family's experience, I 
know the difference the UAW has made in the quality of life for the 
Kildee household.
  Mr. Speaker, we in the great State of Michigan are more than proud of 
our reputation as the automotive capitol of the world, having recently 
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the automobile. Just as we are 
proud of the product, we are proud and grateful for the men and women 
who day-in and day-out work to provide these quality products for our 
Nation and the world. As the U.S. Representative for Buick City, and as 
the proud owner of a Buick LeSabre, I ask my colleagues in the 106th 
Congress to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the men and 
women of UAW Local 599.

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