[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF PHILLIP M. LELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, April 25th, the 
labor community of Pierce County, Washington and American workers 
nationwide lost one of their most progressive advocates and dedicated 
voices, Phillip M. Lelli.
  Joining the longshore workforce on the Tacoma waterfront in 1949, 
Phil dedicated his entire career to expanding opportunities at the Port 
of Tacoma. In doing so he revolutionized the local waterfront.
  As President of the Tacoma Longshore Union, ILWU Local 23, for almost 
twenty years, Phil championed unprecedented standards of efficiency 
within the labor force and innovations on the docks. At the same time, 
he strengthened the bargaining power of the ILWU and protected the 
rights and wellbeing of the longshore men and women.
  Truly committed to the expansion of opportunity at the port, Phil 
elevated his involvement and was a pioneer in forming partnerships with 
the greater maritime community. He believed in the rewards of port and 
union cooperation and he continuously advocated on its behalf. In 1977 
Phil became the first longshore worker elected to Tacoma's mainstream 
Propeller Club, and later the Propeller Club awarded Phil its greatest 
honor, Tacoma Master Mariner for 1982.
  Phil's list of accomplishments and legacies is long and impressive. 
His influence has had a ripple effect in the Tacoma community that will 
continue long after his passing.
  I honor the life of Phillip Lelli on an appropriate occasion. Today 
is National Worker's Memorial Day, a day observed by trade unions since 
1989 to honor American workers who have been killed or injured on the 
job in the last year and an occasion to rededicate ourselves to 
protecting the health and wellbeing of workers in the future. While 
Phil recently lost his life after a battle with cancer, he truly worked 
day to day until his very last to protect the American worker--a 
commitment that intensified after the loss of his youngest son, Ross, 
in a waterfront accident in 1989.
  Phillip Lelli's passing is a loss to all who knew him, and I extend 
my deepest sympathy to his family in their great loss. My thoughts and 
sympathies are also with other families across the Nation today who are 
mourning the loss of their loved ones on this day of reflection.

                          ____________________