[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN YORKO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend and 
a wonderful person, John Yorko. John was honored on August 21st in my 
hometown of Flint, Michigan by his friends, and former co-workers for 
his dedicated service to the United Auto Workers and its membership.
  John started working at the Fisher Body 1 plant on February 2, 1934. 
He joined the CIO the next year and in 1936 he participated in the 
historic Sit Down Strike. He was inside the plant until the strike 
ended on February 11, 1937 with an agreement between the union and 
General Motors. John's career as a lifelong advocate for working men 
and women was born in that fateful event.
  Shortly thereafter he was elected as an alternate committeeman and 
served in that capacity until the plant was converted to World War II 
production. During the war he worked in the aluminum foundry at Buick, 
building the Allison airplane engine. He served as a Local 599 
committeeman for the duration of the war and returned to Fisher Body in 
1946. He remained at Fisher Body for the next forty years and was 
elected to numerous committees and groups culminating in his repeated 
election as President of Local 581. John served as that Local's 
president more times than any other individual. From there he was 
elevated to President of Region 1C. He worked tirelessly on statewide 
and national committees for the United Auto Workers to bring about 
tolerable working conditions, equitable pay, and a humane environment 
for the workers of our country.
  On October 1, 1974 he retired from Fisher Body with 40.8 years of 
service but his union career was just getting its second wind. He 
organized the Flint Area Retired Workers Council in 1978 and served as 
its president for 22 years. His work with the United Auto Workers 
retirees led him to one of his greatest achievements. Instrumental in 
compiling a written record of the Flint Sit Down Strike in 1987 for its 
50th Anniversary, John is recognized by the community as the historian 
who captured the memories of that event for future generations. He took 
the recollections of the men and women who acted with courage and 
boldness in 1936, and ensured that their words and actions will live 
forever. Our children and grandchildren will be able to learn about the 
valor of these individuals who changed our world forever. Our debt to 
him is immeasurable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise today and pay 
tribute to one of the great men. John Yorko's humility, compassion, and 
forthrightness have inspired many to follow in his footsteps. I am 
proud to call him my friend.

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