[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE IRON WORKERS LOCAL 
                                   17

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting the hard 
working men and women of Iron Workers Local 17 of Cleveland, Ohio as 
they celebrate their 100th Anniversary.
  The brilliant craftsmanship of the thousands of dedicated men and 
women who comprise the Iron Workers Local 17 is evident across the 
landscape of Northern Ohio. The bridges that span Ohio's beautiful 
rivers and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are both fine examples of the 
permanent imprint that Iron Workers 17 has cast on thousands of 
structures in the state. This community of working people who 
understand the value and importance of family are committed to creating 
a tradition of excellence. Performing one of the ten most dangerous 
jobs in the world, courageous ironworkers brave the tough Cleveland 
weather and risky working conditions to build the office towers, sports 
stadiums, and highway bridges that illuminate the skyline.
  Early on when structural steel construction was in its infancy, 
ironworkers often worked ten hour days and seven day weeks for as 
little as twenty cents an hour, only expecting to hold positions for 
ten years before death or major injury ended their career. When Local 
17 gained its charter in 1901 money was tight, but the union persevered 
and provided help to its members. In the turbulent years that followed, 
union iron workers learned how to deal with steel industry giants, 
often initiating strikes to gain fair labor practices. By the end of 
World War I, the unions successfully established the eight-hour day and 
five-day work-week.
  Local 17 thrived in the midst of the great industrial expansion of 
the 1920's. In this decade, the largest building project in Cleveland's 
history, The Cleveland Union Terminal complex including the landmark 
Terminal Tower, was completed. During World War II, ironworkers, 
dedicated to the ideals of the United States, served in all branches of 
the military and were even recruited to work as ``seabees'' by the Navy 
to repair aircraft carriers and battleships. Iron workers on the 
homefront assisted in war munitions production or worked around the 
country building power plants, hydroelectric facilities, and dams 
needed in the war effort. In the decades following the war, iron 
workers were busy rebuilding the bridges and highways in disrepair 
after many years of use. Presently, Local 17 is enjoying renewed 
respect with growing membership and cordial relationships with 
contractors.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in saluting the thousands of 
dedicated men and women that brave tough conditions at great personal 
risk to keep Cleveland growing.

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