[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E366-E367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CALVIN RAPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Calvin Rapson on his retirement as Director of UAW 
Region 1-C. Cal will be honored at a testimonial dinner on May 8th in 
my hometown of Flint, Michigan.
  Cal Rapson began his career with the UAW in 1965 working for the 
Chevrolet Engine plant. Through his employment with Chevrolet Cal 
earned a Machine Repair Machinist skilled trades Journeyman 
classification. After graduating from the UAW-GM apprenticeship program 
Cal became active in UAW Local 659.
  UAW Local Unions are the front lines in providing assistance and 
better jobsite conditions for workers. Through the various elected 
positions Cal held with Local 659, he was able to learn every aspect of 
the Local's day-to-day operations. From grassroots political action, 
solving health and safety problems and negotiating local contracts, Cal 
was at the forefront of every fight for justice and equity for the 
members. In 1982 he was the chair of the UAW Negotiating Team that 
successfully bargained the UAW-GM Master Agreement.
  This success led to his appointment to the UAW International staff 
that same year. Working with a wide variety of organizations and


[[Page E367]]

plants, Cal participated in the global efforts of the UAW to bring fair 
wages, human rights, and a new approach to international trade to 
workers in the United States and worldwide. In 1988 Cal was promoted to 
Coordinator of Active Training Programs at the UAW-GM Human Resources 
Center. He went on to serve in the UAW GM Department as Administrative 
Assistant to then UAW Vice-President Stephen Yokich from 1989 to 1995.
  Following up his appointment as Assistant Director of Region 1-C in 
1995, Cal was named the region's director in 1998. With these two 
positions Cal came back to his early roots. His service to the Flint 
community reflects Cal's vision of a better life for workers and their 
families. He serves on the board of many community organizations 
including Healthplus of Michigan and the Greater Flint Health 
Coalition.
  A huge Spartan fan, Cal attended Michigan State University. Realizing 
the importance of education and history Cal now works with Michigan 
State University, Mott Community College and Lansing Community College 
to preserve the history of the labor movement and to foster better 
relations between labor and educational institutions.
  Cal Rapson has a deep and abiding respect for the workers in Region 
1-C. Having come up through the ranks with most of the workers in this 
area Cal stated in his director's report, ``I have never been prouder 
to be from this region than after the events of September 11.'' Under 
his leadership the local unions raised over $500,000 to benefit the 
victims of that tragedy. UAW Region 1-C workers donated their time and 
labor to build vehicles for the New York City recovery operation, 
replacing those destroyed in the collapse of the World Trade Towers.
  Mr. Speaker, I consider Cal Rapson a dear friend and superior 
advisor. I appreciate his expertise, his common sense, his judgment, 
his guidance, and discernment. The UAW will miss his contributions to 
the labor movement. I ask the House of Representatives join me in 
wishing him the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________