[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E864-E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING NATE GOODEN'S UNITED AUTO WORKER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nate Gooden's 
outstanding service at the UAW. Nate Gooden and I go back to the 
beginning of his career and our involvement in the coalition of Black 
Trade Unionists.
  Since he first became a UAW member in 1964, Nate has remained a loyal 
activist. Like a true warrior, Nate has confronted those who frustrate 
the goal of creating a full employment society. He has consistently 
stood with me in my efforts to create and sustain a full employment 
system. He has also provided unwavering support for H.R. 676, a bill I 
introduced calling for a national universal health care system. As we 
currently seek to extend the Voting Rights Act, Nate has once again 
provided his strong voice of endorsement.
  Nate's effective approach has always been the same. He has 
distinguished himself as being friendly but firm in negotiations, and 
this made him the ``go to guy'' at the UAW. In the best tradition of 
the labor movement, Nate's advocacy on behalf of auto workers has given 
an economic lift to so many. His good-natured personality and 
tremendous leadership will be sorely missed.
  The Nate Gooden resolution follows:

              Testimonial Resolution Honoring Nate Gooden

       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden, was born in Detroit on April 14, 
     1938, has been a United Auto Worker (``UAW'') member since 
     1964, was appointed as an international representative on the 
     Region 1 staff in 1977, was, first elected the UAW 
     International Executive Board Vice President in 1999, and was 
     re-elected in 2006; and
       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden, was nominated as UAW's 
     representative to the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG 
     in 2002, is the Director of the UAW's DaimlerChrysler 
     Department, and is co-chair of the Joint Activities Board 
     that operates the UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training 
     Center; and
       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden, directs the UAW Heavy Trucks 
     Department and the UAW Transplants, Trasnationals, and Joint 
     Ventures Department; and
       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden, directed successful negotiations 
     with Freightliner in 2000, directed the UAW's national 
     contract

[[Page E865]]

     negotiations with the Chrysler Groups in 2004, helped win a 
     first contract for workers at Thomas Built Bus in 2005, 
     helped win a first contract for workers at the Michigan 
     Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance facility in 2005, and 
     helped secure options for Mack workers affected by the 
     closing of the Winnsboro plant; and
       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden has attended Wayne State 
     University's Labor Studies program and serves as an advisor 
     to the Ken Morris Center for the Study of Labor and work at 
     Oakland University; and
       Whereas, Mr. Nate Gooden is a U.S. army veteran, the 
     executive secretary of the Coalition of Black Trade 
     Unionists, Deputy Chair of the World Employee Committee at 
     DaimlerChrysler, a national board member and life member of 
     the NAACP, and an active member of the Michigan Democratic 
     Party; and be it therefore
       Resolved, That Mr. Nate Gooden be commended and honored on 
     the 17th Day of May 2006 on the occasion of his retirement as 
     Vice President and Director of the UAW DaimlerChrysler 
     Department--for his unwavering commitment to the highest 
     standards of integrity and professionalism as a dedicated and 
     renowned leader and activist.

  Congratulations, Brother Gooden. I must say that knowing Nate, I take 
any discussions of his immediate retirement with a grain of salt.
  Congratulations, Nate Gooden, on a job well done.

                          ____________________