[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S657-S658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE WASHINGTON STATE LABOR COUNCIL

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, on behalf of all the citizens of 
Washington State, I am delighted to congratulate the Washington State 
Labor Council on the 100th anniversary of its original formation. 
Washington State has a rich labor tradition.
  On January 17, 1902, 120 delegates representing 114 local unions and 
five central labor councils from around Washington State gathered in 
Tacoma and voted to affiliate with the American Federation of Labor. 
This local organization eventually merged with the Washington State 
Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1957, the same time the 
national AFL and CIO merged, to form the Washington State Labor 
Council, AFL-CIO.
  There have been many challenges faced during their first one hundred 
years, yet each challenge was faced with dignity and courage, knowing 
that the struggles faced would build a better life for working men and 
women. Union members throughout Washington State have risked their own

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livelihoods to stand up for decent wages, safe working conditions, and 
job security.
  I have enormous respect for the past and present leadership of the 
Washington State Labor Council. We stand together in the ongoing battle 
to give working families the strongest possible voice.
  For the past 100 years, Washington State's labor community has been a 
powerful force for progress. Their tireless efforts are indispensable 
in the daily battles for worker's rights. Countless families across 
Washington State are better off today because of their commitment.
  The Washington State Labor Council has also been at the forefront of 
the effort to pass fair increases in the state minimum wage, setting 
standards for the rest of the country to follow. Simply put, the 
Washington State Labor Council has been there in the trenches, making 
progress happen.
  I look forward to working closely with the Washington State Labor 
Council on all the great causes we share. Washington State has made 
real progress because of their work, and will continue to do so with 
their help now and in all the years ahead.

                          ____________________