[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE MILWAUKEE AREA LABOR COUNCIL

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                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Milwaukee Area Labor Council. The Milwaukee Area Labor Council is the 
largest central labor council in Wisconsin. On April 1, 2009, the 
Milwaukee Area Labor Council will celebrate its 50th anniversary as it 
continues to work for the betterment of the workers in their three 
county jurisdiction.
  The MALC is not only comprised of AFL-CIO member unions but includes 
dues paying unions in federations such as Change to Win. Further, MALC 
has strived to include other unions outside these federations as active 
supporters, encouraging the membership of federal unions. The MALC 
works closely with community, retiree, and religious groups in 
collaboration with such AFL-CIO initiatives as Working America.
  The primary mission of the MALC is to support and energize their AFL-
CIO affiliated unions in their efforts to organize. Organizing is one 
of the most important duties they perform and is the engine through 
which they build strength through membership. However, organizing is 
not the only function of the MALC. They are politically active in 
federal, state, city and county initiatives to promote both strong 
communities and social justice. They research, monitor, meet and 
support candidates that support working families. The MALC informs and 
mobilizes their members and strives to support candidates and elected 
officials who truly help working families. Finally, the MALC publishes 
the Milwaukee Labor Press, providing important news and motivating 
labor perspectives to working families.
  MALC participates in issues that are important to our community such 
as working cooperatively with the United Way. The MALC is deeply 
involved in the annual campaign contributing both strategies and 
legwork to elevate workplace giving and volunteerism. Union councils 
and their locals also provide direct help through treasury gifts, 
volunteer efforts and special charitable support.
  MALC also initiates charitable campaigns like the Spring Health and 
Hygiene Drive. The drive has been so successful in providing health and 
hygiene products for Milwaukee's homeless shelters that the shelters 
could reallocate funds for this purpose to other clients needs.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to say the Milwaukee Area Labor Council 
provides a critical service to the people in the 4th Congressional 
District. The MALC takes a leading role in charities, legislative work, 
and social action. The breadth of their membership recognizes the 
importance of solidarity for all workers and is reflected by the 
diversity and reach of MALC.

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