[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RONALD ``RED'' PLATZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald Platz, or 
``Red'' as he is known best by friends and colleagues. Red retired from 
the UAW International Union on Monday, March 31, 2008 after more than 
30 years of leadership and loyal service to the community. Over the 
course of a tenacious career, Red made a profound and lasting impact on 
Wisconsin state and local politics.
  Red began working in the Engine Division of the Kohler Company in 
1969. He soon transferred to the Enamel Shop 3 years later. In 1977, 
Red was elected to serve as Divisional Steward for UAW Local 833. Red 
served Local 833 for the next 24 years, holding the positions of Chief 
Steward, Vice President, and President. He also served as a full-time 
Benefit and Safety Representative from 1990 until 2001. In total, Red 
was instrumental in negotiating six labor agreements between the Kohler 
Company and Local 833. As a health and safety trainer for the UAW 
International Union, Red led workshops throughout the United States on 
issues such as workplace safety, hazardous chemical handling, and 
harassment.
  Red's unwavering political spirit led him to the Wisconsin State CAP-
PAC Board where he remained active for more than 20 years and served 6 
years as Chairperson. In August 2001, he was appointed to the UAW 
Region 4 International Staff as the CAP-PAC Coordinator for a six-state 
area that included Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Montana, and Wyoming. Red has served on numerous executive boards 
including the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, 
Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., the State of Wisconsin Unemployment 
Compensation Insurance Advisory Council, and the School for Workers 
Labor Faculty Advisory Board. Red will retire to country living in 
Wisconsin to spend time with his wife Mutzie, two children Rick and 
Judy, and 3 grandchildren Shawn, Samantha, and Collin. UAW Local 833 
will honor Red this weekend to commemorate a career marked by 
commitment and dedication. The celebration will feature a friendly 
roast by those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with 
Red.
  For his hard work, leadership, and service to the State of Wisconsin, 
I join all of UAW Local 833 in saluting and thanking Red Platz. I wish 
Red health and happiness in retirement.

                          ____________________