[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF GEORGE BECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of George 
Becker, the recently retired president of the United Steelworkers of 
America. Through his leadership, courage and determination, labor 
unions across our nation have been revitalized and reenergized with a 
newfound strength.
  George Becker became a member of the United Steelworkers of America 
when he became a mill worker in Granite City, Illinois. His 
determination and dedication to helping others allowed his ascent to 
the presidency of the union. As a vice-president of the United 
Steelworkers, George Becker organized a strike against Ravenswood 
Aluminum Corporation. Lasting over twenty months, the eventual 
resolution benefited steelworkers. The first major strike in years to 
offer positive tangible results, the Ravenswood protest was just the 
beginning of how George Becker worked to organize and lead the labor 
movement.
  Upon becoming the president of the United Steelworkers of America, 
George Becker promptly restructured the union, bringing new 
efficiencies and operational improvements. He also worked to redefine 
its mission, so that the union would help foster new leaders for 
tomorrow. Creating the Legislative Internship Project, George Becker 
invited young people to become involved in the labor movement. He 
fostered a sense of community from within, and as President Becker was 
able to create a stronger labor union with a newfound political clout.
  George Becker has continually fought and stood up for the steel 
industry in the United States. He founded Stand Up For Steel, an 
alliance of unions and steel manufacturers. United to help stop unfair 
trade practices, Stand Up For Steel has become an important 
organization in the battle to promote fair trade.
  As George Becker ends his long term of service to the United 
Steelworkers of America, he leaves behind a stronger, more assertive 
union. He has spent a lifetime helping his fellow workers by 
representing and expressing their needs and concerns. My fellow 
colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. George Becker.

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