[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARK HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Hawkins as he 
retires from the General Motors Truck Assembly plant after 37 years of 
service. Mark was the Shop Chairman of UAW Local 598 for the past 20 
years and a member of the UAW Local 598 bargaining committee for the 
past 31 years. A celebration will be held on May 15 to recognize his 
achievements and life.
  A graduate of Beecher High School, Mark has worked tirelessly to 
advocate on behalf of the employees of General Motors. His skill as a 
negotiator has earned him the respect of GM Management, UAW Local 598 
membership and the UAW international leadership. The National 
Bargaining Committee elected him to chair the National Negotiations in 
1993, 1996 and 2003. Mark negotiated a Living Agreement between UAW 
Local 598 and GM Flint Assembly in 1997. This unprecedented agreement 
secured new work for the plant and a $500 million investment from the 
company. He was elected without opposition in his 7th bid for Local 598 
chairman. Earlier this year he negotiated a new Local Living Agreement 
that is serving as the role model for other plants in the United 
States.
  Over the years, Mark has gained a reputation for helping those less 
fortunate. Starting in 1994, UAW Local 598 membership has donated over 
$1 million to feed and clothe needy children. Mark has organized the 
building of 8 playgrounds at local elementary schools and parks. 
Responding to the tragedy of September 11, he spearheaded the drive to 
build two trucks with donated labor and GM components for the New York 
Fire Department. Across the Nation the UAW and General Motors followed 
his example and a total of 60 trucks were given to the Fire Department.
  The community has recognized his contributions and Mark has received 
the following awards: 2000 Walter Reuther Award, 2000 Liberty Bell 
Award, 2001 American Red Cross Hero Award, 2002 Martin Luther King 
Award, and in 2003 he received the Michigan Parks and Recreation 
Committee Award.
  Mark and his wife, Shelley, have been married for 19 years and have 3 
children Joseph, Brandi, and Richard and four grandchildren Brooklyn, 
Olivia, Chace, and Emma.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
applaud the life of Mark Hawkins. He has been diligent in fighting for 
the rights of the UAW membership. Gifted with vision, tenacity, and 
mediation he has brought a deep comprehension of both sides of a 
problem to the negotiating table. Deeply engaged in the struggle to 
bring dignity to the workplace, Mark Hawkins has been a true friend to 
workers everywhere. I consider him a friend and have valued his insight 
and wisdom over the future of the U.S. auto industry. I am a better 
Congressman for having known Mark and I wish him the best as he starts 
this new phase of his life.

                          ____________________