[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING RON GETTELFINGER FOR HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE UAW

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank the 
outgoing President of the United Auto Workers Union, Mr. Ron 
Gettelfinger. Mr. Gettelfinger has admirably represented the nearly 1 
million active and retired members of the UAW. Under Ron's leadership, 
the Union has continued its fight for improved health care benefits and 
the enforcement of fair trade provisions on human rights, and fair 
labor standards.
  Ron and I share a lot in common. We both were voted into current 
office in 2002, we both have been fortunate enough to be reelected by 
our constituents, and we both understand the substantial value of our 
Nation's auto workers. My district in Northeastern Ohio is home to UAW 
Local 1112 and Local 1714. These UAW locals represent over 7,500 active 
and 4,000 retired GM Lordstown Assembly Plant employees. The men and 
women of the Lordstown plant have manufactured the Chevrolet Cavalier, 
the Pontiac Sunfire, the Chevrolet Cobalt, and will soon begin 
production on the new Chevrolet Cruze. These workers represent the best 
of American production, manufacturing, and ingenuity.
  At a time of unprecedented catastrophe for America's automotive 
industry, Ron Gettelfinger provided much needed leadership. On behalf 
of the United Autoworkers in my district and those in my district whose 
livelihoods depend on UAW jobs, I thank Mr. Gettelfinger for his years 
of service and leadership and wish him well in retirement.

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