[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONROE/LENAWEE COUNTY AFL-CIO 
                         CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor the 50th 
anniversary of the Monroe/Lenawee County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council 
(CLC). On January 28, 1959, nine local unions from the American 
Federation of Labor, known as the Monroe Central Labor Union, and 
sixteen local unions from the Congress of Industrial Organizations, 
known as the Monroe County CIO Industrial Union Council, held a merger 
convention in the historic Philip Murray Building in downtown Monroe, 
Michigan.
  The purpose of this convention was to dissolve their Charters of the 
Monroe Central Labor Union and the Monroe County CIO Industrial Union 
Council and adopt a new constitution under which the two organizations 
would merge and form one new organization. On February 9, 1959, the 
National AFL-CIO granted a charter to the Monroe County AFL-CIO Central 
Labor Council
  The Central Labor Council has worked for 50 years to secure a united 
action of union Locals to protect, maintain and advance the interest of 
all working people. These efforts include building support and advocacy 
for worker friendly legislation, furthering the acceptance of 
collective bargaining in the workplace and educating the general public 
on the importance of the American Labor Movement. The CLC's commitment 
to the betterment of their community has never waivered, and their 
unselfish willingness to lead by example has undoubtedly contributed to 
a higher standard of living for--not only union members, but for all 
people in Monroe, Lenawee, and the surrounding communities.
  The Monroe County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council mission statement has 
not strayed from its original purpose and remains committed to 
education, organizing, mobilizing and creating activities for the 
common good and welfare of their community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in 
commending the Monroe/Lenawee County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council on 
50 years of advocacy for workers and tremendous service to the 
community.

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