[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2249]]



 TRIBUTE TO ART VALENTI, PRESIDENT OF U.A.W. LOCAL 900 RETIREE CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a man who has 
dedicated more than 62 years to the United Automobile Workers, Art 
Valenti. As one of the original in-plant organizers who fought to bring 
the union to the Ford Motor Company, Art Valenti has dedicated his life 
the union movement. This year, as U.A.W. Local 900 members gathered to 
celebrate their 60th Anniversary, they recognized the Art ``Little 
Caesar'' Valenti for dedicating his life to Local 900 and the U.A.W. 
organization.
  Beginning work at the old Ford-Lincoln plant on Livernois in 1939, 
Art was discharged just a year later on Friday, December 13, 1940. This 
marked the start of his long and laborious fight against the anti-labor 
programs in place at the Ford Service Department. Regardless of the 
many obstacles, Art began his efforts to organize workers in Detroit. 
Holding dances that raised countless funds to support union efforts, 
Art began organizing at his base, and was actively involved in many 
battles and a strike at the Ford Rouge Plant. When the U.A.W. Ford 
Agreement was signed in June of 1941, Art was reinstated to his job at 
the Ford Lincoln Plant and became an organizer and Charter member of 
Local 900, then a part of Local 600. Art ``Little Caesar'' Valenti 
continued as a union representative, and while Treasurer and activist 
continued his fight against unfair practices of the Ford-Lincoln 
supervision and Service Department. In the years following, Art served 
his local and cause as a trustee, guide, and Executive Board member to 
Local 900, as well as served as District Committeeman, Bargaining 
Committeeman, and finally President of Local 900. His hard work and 
tireless efforts established dinners for Retirees as appreciation for 
their years of service, won the largest individual back pay award at 
the time, and was one of only 25 American Trade Unionists to be sent to 
Denmark to visit with Danish Trade Unionists in 1952.
  Art's dedication only continued with time, gaining appointment to the 
Vice President of the International Union's staff in 1957, where he 
remained until his retirement in June of 1980. Even after retirement, 
``Little Caesar'' Valenti's commitment carried him to become elected as 
President of the U.A.W. Local 900 Retiree Chapter in 1981, where he has 
continued to bring the same fire and loyalty to his brothers and the 
union cause.
  I applaud Art Valenti for his leadership, commitment, and service, 
and I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting him for his exemplary 
years of leadership and service.

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