[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 11, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H3116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MIGUEL CONTRERAS

  (Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Miguel Contreras, who died unexpectedly on Friday, May 6, 
2005.
  As executive-secretary treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation 
of Labor and a vice president of the California Labor Federation, 
Miguel was a staunch champion for working families in Los Angeles and 
throughout our Nation. His leadership reenergized our Nation's labor 
movement.
  Miguel began his life working in the fields of southern California 
alongside his immigrant parents. After meeting Cesar Chavez, he became 
active in the United Farm Workers Union.
  Under Miguel's leadership, union membership in the Los Angeles County 
area grew by more than 125,000, creating a powerful voice for working 
families. Miguel led successful organizing campaigns for janitors and 
bus drivers, among others.
  In a lifetime dedicated to service of working men and women, Miguel 
Contreras touched many lives, including my own. It was Miguel who 
encouraged and supported my run for executive-secretary treasurer of 
the Orange County Federation of Labor. I became the first Latina to 
head a federation, so I jokingly described myself as Miguel Contreras 
in high heels. I want to thank him for being a great role model and 
teaching me many of life's invaluable lessons.
  Miguel was not only a friend and a mentor to me, but more 
importantly, he was a remarkable labor leader, activist, community 
spokesman, power broker, husband and father, and he will be sorely 
missed.

                          ____________________