[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MICHIGAN AFSCME COUNCIL 25, AFL-
                                  CIO

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I commemorate the Michigan 
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, 
Council 25, AFL-CIO for 25 years of dedication to State and local 
government employees. On March 14, 2003, members and supporters of 
Michigan AFSCME Council 25 will gather to celebrate the commitment this 
organization has shown and the support it has provided to working 
families in my home State of Michigan.
  For over six decades, AFSCME and its members have worked to combat 
adversity in the workplace. What began as an effort to save civil 
service jobs expanded to become an adaptive and dynamic collective 
bargaining organization. AFSCME has thrived throughout its history by 
creatively meeting the difficult challenges that it and its members 
have faced. Today, the organization is a national leader among 
organized labor movements.
  For the past quarter century, Michigan AFSCME Council 25 has 
represented and advocated for public employees throughout Michigan. The 
organization's membership includes employees of State, county, and 
municipal governments, school districts, public hospitals, and 
nonprofit agencies. Since the formation of Michigan AFSCME Council 25 
by special convention in March of 1978, it has been a strong force 
dedicated to improving working conditions and advocating for its 
members.
  Today, Michigan AFSCME Council 25 represents over 60,000 public 
employees and is organized into more than 300 local unions. Workers of 
virtually all public service occupations find a specialized voice 
within AFSCME. Because of the unwavering dedication that Michigan 
AFSCME Council 25 has shown to its community, working families and 
public employees have seen their working conditions improve and their 
voices heard.
  I know that my Senate colleagues will join me in offering our 
congratulations to Michigan AFSCME Council 25 and its members as they 
celebrate their 25 years of unwavering support for Michigan's working 
families.

                          ____________________