[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1609]]



   HONORING MICHAEL FERRUCCI, JR., ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to pay 
tribute to my dear friend, Michael Ferrucci who is celebrating his 
retirement after a tremendous career with the American Federation of 
State, County, and Municipal Employees. His outstanding leadership and 
unparalleled dedication has made a real difference in the lives of 
many.
  I have often said that we are fortunate to live in a country that 
allows its workers to engage in efforts to better employee standards 
and benefits. State, county and municipal governments employ a number 
of laborers who deserve the best for their families. Michael has fought 
hard for better wages, more comprehensive health benefits for members 
and their families, and safer work environments--ensuring that state, 
county, and municipal employees are afforded these basic rights. 
Michael has been a true leader for our working families, giving them a 
voice during the hardest of economic times.
  Michael began his career in 1953 as a maintenance worker for the 
Connecticut Highway Department. Elected first as Steward then Secretary 
and finally as President of AFSCME Local 867, he has served the union 
membership from the beginning. In addition to his service with Local 
867, Michael went on to serve as the elected Secretary of Council and 
was later elected President of Council 16 representing Connecticut 
State Employees. Michael eventually left his state employment when he 
was appointed as the Executive Director for Council 16. It was during 
his tenure as Executive Director of Council 16 that state workers won 
collective bargaining rights--much in part to Michael's tremendous 
leadership.
  Council 16, representing state employees, and Council 4, representing 
municipal employees, later merged to create what is today the largest 
union in Connecticut representing 34,000 State, Municipal, and Private 
Sector members. Michael held a number of leadership positions in 
Council 4 prior to his election as Executive Director nearly five years 
ago. In addition to his service with AFSCME, Michael has also served as 
a Labor Advocate on the Connecticut State Board of Mediation and 
Arbitration for over fifteen years.
  Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a unique commitment 
to AFSCME's union membership. Through his vision and because of his 
unparalleled dedication, Connecticut's state and municipal employees 
and their families have a strong union that is always willing to ensure 
their needs and interests are heard and met. It is with my deepest 
thanks and sincere appreciation that I stand today to pay tribute to 
Michael Ferrucci, Jr., as he celebrates his retirement. His good work 
and strong voice will certainly be missed--and never forgotten.

                          ____________________