[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING RICHARD SHOEMAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2006

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this June will witness the retirement of 
Richard Shoemaker after an unusually illustrious career in the American 
labor movement.
  He rose from an eighteen-year-old worker at John Deere in Illinois to 
serve three terms as vice-president of the United Auto Workers.
  He rose up the ranks on the basis of his strong talents of mind and 
spirit. No matter what rung he was on, he never forgot where he 
started.
  The result was an exceptional dedication to work for the well-being 
of his fellow and sister workers. He was proud that the labor movement, 
of which he was a vital part, was playing a key role in creating a 
strong middle class in America, one that gave workers a chance to 
obtain what many of their parents dreamed for their children to have, 
and which so many did not possess before the labor movement--a truly 
decent wage, decent health care, some security for their retirement, 
and educational opportunity for their children.
  That was infused in his work as a President of his local at the age 
of 27, as an international representative appointed at the age of 30 by 
Walter Reuther, and in key administrative posts for UAW vice president 
Steve Yokich and President Owen Bieber.
  He was called upon to tackle tough issues. Some years ago it was the 
effort to resolve a long conflict in labor management relations at 
Caterpillar.
  Greater challenges still lay ahead. The American auto industry is now 
tackling perhaps the most dramatic challenges in its history. As vice-
president of the UAW for GM and Delphi, Dick Shoemaker is in the very 
center of the storm, using his deep talents, intelligence and 
experience to work toward answers that can sustain the domestic auto 
industry that he loves and helped build, while remaining faithful to 
the workers to whom he has dedicated his life's work.
  Dick Shoemaker also learned early on the lesson that what goes on in 
the public sector and government can vitally affect any efforts and 
gains obtained in negotiations in the private sector. So he assumed a 
variety of major political responsibilities on behalf of the Union and 
in the Democratic Party. During these decades of unusual challenge, 
commitment, and achievement, Dick has been blessed by a wonderful 
partner, his wife Mary.
  This Thursday, May 25, there will be a dinner held to give full 
tribute on his retirement to Dick Shoemaker. Mr. Speaker, I speak not 
only for myself as an admirer and friend, but I know for many, many 
others who say to Dick Shoemaker--congratulations on an illustrious 
career leaving its major mark on many yesterdays, and for many 
tomorrows.