[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CENTRAL TEXAS LABOR COUNCIL ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2001

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we extend our 
congratulations to the Central Texas Labor Council on the occasion of 
its One-Hundredth Anniversary, celebrated in Waco, Texas on October 20, 
2001.
  Originally chartered as the McLennan County Labor Council on October 
31, 1901, the member-unions included the Leather Workers and Horse 
Goods, Local 45, the Stationary Fireman's Union, the Tailors Union, 
Local 96 and the Federal Labor Union 8892. Another member, the 
Typographical Union, Local 188, was first chartered in 1881. In later 
years, the Musicians Union local represented organists who accompanied 
silent films in local movie houses.
  In the 1920s, local unions held a forty-hour workweek strike, and 
helped establish that as a basis for all contracts of labor. Other 
early job actions were for air conditioning, worker respect and safer 
workplaces.
  In 1901, only unions in McLennan County were affiliated with the 
Council. Over time, it expanded to include eight counties, and in 1992, 
the name was changed to the Central Texas Labor Council. The 
organization now includes forty unions representing 14,000 workers.
  Mr. Speaker, the nature of collective bargaining and labor-management 
relations have changed dramatically since the Council was born a 
century ago. Today, in Central Texas and across the nation, the vital 
role of labor unions and labor councils have been widely recognized for 
their contribution to safer and more productive workplaces with highly-
skilled workforces, leading to more competitive enterprises, and 
ultimately, to a stronger and more stable U.S. economy.
  Much has changed in one hundred years. However, the Central Texas 
Labor Council continues to speak, and fight when necessary, for the 
rights, the interests and the dignity of working men and women.

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