[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       JOHN CZUCZMAN, INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF TWU RETIRES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to 
John Czuczman upon his retirement from the Transportation Workers Union 
TWU. Before retiring, Mr. Czuczman served as International Vice 
President and Director of the Railroad Division for TWU representing 
employees throughout the Northeast and Midwest.
  Mr. Czuczman began his career in the rail industry in 1955 as an 
employee of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad and was a member of 
the TWU Local 1427. In 1968, he successfully ran for Local 1427 
President and Grievance Chairman. He continued to serve the Local 1427 
in those positions for the next 14 years. During his tenure as 
President, Mr. Czuczman was an active member of the union's Policy 
Making Board for railroad members.
  In 1980, TWU's late president William Lindner appointed Mr. Czuczman 
to the International Union's staff as an International Representative. 
While on the International's staff, Mr. Czuczman was involved in most 
of the Union's key negotiations and arbitrations. He served as TWU's 
representative on the task force that put Conrail together in the early 
1980's. Additionally, he participated in the crucial TWU negotiations 
that led to the takeover of Conrail's commuter lines by SEPTA, Metro-
North and the New Jersey Transit in 1982. Mr. Czuczman also served as 
Chairman of the Conrail Screening Committee and participated in a 
number of Conrail's contract negotiations. Since 1982, Mr. Czuczman has 
negotiated every contract with Amtrak involving the Joint Council of 
Carmen and the Amtrak Service Workers Council.
  A tireless fighter for the rights of rail workers, Mr. Czuczman has 
been a strong advocate for the protection and improvement of the 
benefits provided by the Railroad Retirement Board. He also served as a 
member of the Board of Governors for Amtrak's Red Block Program which 
offers assistance, education and rehabilitation to those with alcohol 
and substance abuse problems.
  Mr. Speaker, for almost 50 years John Czuczman has been a tireless 
advocate for the right of railroad workers. From negotiating contracts, 
to lobbying, to advocating for better benefits, to just simply being a 
friend to his fellow workers, John has served his fellow rail workers 
with dignity and class. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you will join me today 
in wishing John a long and happy retirement.

                          ____________________