[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO WALTER JOHNSON ON BEING HONORED BY THE SAN MATEO CENTRAL 
                             LABOR COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Walter Johnson, a 
respected citizen of San Mateo County, California, who is being honored 
by the San Mateo Central Labor Council at its 23rd Annual COPE Benefit 
Dinner on July 18, 2002.
  Walter Johnson has been a visionary leader within the labor movement 
for more than 40 years. His efforts began more than a half century ago 
when he joined the Department Store Employees Union Local 1100 after 
securing a job at Sears Roebuck as an appliance salesperson. By 1957, 
Walter had become the business agent of the union and was elected 
president the following year. In 1964, Walter Johnson was elected to 
the union's top position of secretary-treasurer and was subsequently 
reelected to the position 11 times. It should come as no surprise that 
Walter was elected as the top labor leader in San Francisco in 1984 and 
has remained so since then. As secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco 
Labor Council since 1985, he currently represents 75,000 workers and 
125 different unions.
  Since his early years as a member of the Department Store Employees 
Union, Walter Johnson has dedicated his time and talents to improving 
the lives of his fellow workers. In 1958, Walter Johnson played an 
integral role in helping the first African-American woman to secure a 
position behind the counter at Woolworth's.
  Today, Walter Johnson continues to ensure that workers have the 
quality of life they deserve with secure jobs, equitable wages and 
quality benefits. Walter regularly works with community groups, elected 
officials and religious leaders to advocate for workers' rights both 
locally and globally, including in such countries as China and South 
Korea. Walter Johnson also serves as a member of the Economic Forum 
Board of Directors where he works to enhance the quality of life for 
all residents of the Bay Area.
  Walter Johnson's commitment to his fellow human beings goes far 
beyond his work within the labor movement. A heroic and courageous 
cancer survivor, Walter Johnson has added his personal testimony to the 
fight against breast cancer, helping to lead rallies on behalf of the 
Breast Cancer Fund. Walter also serves on the boards of various local 
organizations including the United Way of the Bay area, the Bay Area 
Sports Organizing Committee and Our Redeemers Lutheran Church.
  Mr. Speaker, Walter Johnson is an outstanding individual and a 
respected labor and community leader. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this distinguished man for all he has done and continues to 
do. We are a better county, a better people because of him.

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