[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E439-E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO BETTE MURPHY, OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF UAW LOCAL 148 RETIREE 
                                CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Bette 
Murphy, who retired as President of the United Aerospace Workers Local 
148 Retiree Chapter. Bette Murphy retired after an illustrious 58-year 
career as a union activist and community leader.
  Bette Murphy began her career at Douglas Aircraft Company in Long 
Beach in November, 1942, during the Second World War as one of the 
original ``Rosie the Riveters.'' During the war, Bette Murphy and the 
Douglas workforce helped produce nearly 3,000 B-17 aircraft.

[[Page E440]]

  In 1943, Bette risked her job to help her fellow workers achieve a 
better workplace by encouraging them to join the local UAW. She 
demanded equal rights and equal protection for the workers which led to 
their first union contract in 1944.
  Bette Murphy carried the torch for female workers of her time. She 
became the first woman to make $1 an hour, to be elected ``Leadman in 
Shop,'' to be an assistant Foreman in the Shop, to oversee ``War 
Boards,'' and to be the first female manufacturing engineer. Bette 
Murphy worked at Douglas Aircraft Company, which later became 
McDonnell-Douglas, until she retired in 1979 due to a disability.
  Needless to say, Bette Murphy fought her disability and served on 
numerous boards and committees and traveled as a union delegate to many 
conventions and events. She also served on the bargaining committee 
where she was elected as an officer six times. She worked hard at 
helping aircraft workers get the best contracts.
  In 1988 Bette Murphy became the President of the UAW Local 148 
Retiree Chapter. And for the last 13 years she served the members of 
the Chapter with all the dedication and steady leadership that helped 
her accomplish so much for so many people during her long career as a 
union activist and community leader.
  So best wishes to Bette Murphy, in appreciation of her bravery and 
contribution to the war effort, for her leadership on behalf of so many 
working people, and for her dedication as President of the UAW Local 
148 Retiree Chapter. She truly made a difference in our community and 
for those who had the privilege to work alongside her.

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