[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               LABOR DAY

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, yesterday Americans of all ages, from all 
segments of society, from hundreds of occupations and professions, 
celebrated something uniquely American: Labor Day.
  Our workers, tens of millions of hourly wage earners and hundreds of 
thousands of entrepreneurs, farmers and managers, tradesmen and 
saleswomen, our workers have built a middle class larger, broader, and 
more prosperous than any in world history.
  They all have one thing in common: They are increasedly more 
productive, creating greater wealth and larger profits than ever for 
their employers. Yesterday, the Columbus Dispatch reported that 
according to the International Labor Organization, American workers are 
the most productive in the world.
  The average U.S. worker produces more than $63,885 of wealth each 
year. But increasingly, American workers have not shared in the wealth 
they have created, in wages, in health benefits, in a meaningful 
pension, that highly productive workers in our country used to enjoy.
  Ohio workers are fighting back to build a decent standard of living 
to provide opportunities for our children and to construct a more 
prosperous and egalitarian society.
  But our Nation and my State have struggled; struggled in part because 
of the Federal Government's wrongheaded trade policy and tax policies, 
which all too often encourage investors to move jobs overseas, and in 
part because of a drifting State Government in Columbus which fell 
short in educating our young people and did little to erect a 
manufacturing policy to prepare for our future.
  In the spirit of Labor Day, let me share the stories of a handful of 
hard-working often heroic Ohio workers who are making a difference. Dee 
Dee Tillman and Carlos Sanchez participated in the negotiations 
representing 1,200 janitors in Cincinnati, 1,200 men and women who are 
working hard, raising their children, contributing to their community, 
and earning not much more than the minimum wage.
  Joined by their colleagues, they and their union reached an agreement 
with Cincinnati office building owners. Over the next 4 years, 1,200 
janitors in Cincinnati will get a $2.95-an-hour raise, health benefits 
and vacation pay for the first time and a small pension.
  At the other end of the State, in Mentor, Roger Sustar speaks out 
every day for American manufacturing. He recognizes businesses similar 
to his, small manufacturing companies, are vital to the economic 
security and the national security for our country. On most Saturdays, 
he volunteers his time to train students in the basics of 
manufacturing.
  In northwest Ohio, in the flatlands of Henry County, Mark Schwiebert 
is a highly productive farmer in an increasingly competitive 
environment. He is proud of his successful and tidy farm, to be sure, 
but he also takes seriously his role as a citizen. He is an advocate 
for family farmers and for fair trade, understanding the prosperity of 
our State depends on a vibrant rural Ohio, where young people want to 
stay and work in their community.
  Sue Klein, another hero who cares so much about our State, works at a 
large daily newspaper. She too makes her employer a more profitable 
enterprise. She works hard. She gets rave reviews from her coworkers, 
is uncommonly devoted to her aging parents, and gives back to her 
community in a dozen ways.

  On Labor Day, we salute American labor and Ohio labor. We celebrate 
our State's heroes: Dee Dee, Carlos, Mark, Roger, and Sue. We thank 
them and so many others.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SPECTER. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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