[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
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. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank my colleague, friend, 
and the Dean of the House, Congressman John Dingell, for leading 
tonight's Special Order.
  I rise today to honor a true champion of the American working family, 
Ron Gettelfinger. Since 1935, the United Auto Workers (UAW) have led 
the fight to create and protect the rights of autoworkers and working 
people across our country--the basic work place protections that have 
made the United States the most productive country in history. For 
eight years as the UAW president, Ron has carried that charge, 
advocating tirelessly to improve the lives of his union brothers and 
sisters.
  A member of UAW Local 862 since 1964, he spent his career fighting 
for equity and justice in the workplace, ensuring labor and wage 
standards in fair trade agreements, advocating for quality and 
affordable health care for all, and raising the quality of life for 
workers worldwide. Ron relished being close to line workers and 
advocating for them on a daily basis. For six years, he served as the 
director of UAW Region 3 before being elected UAW vice president in 
1998.
  The last two years have been a historic period for the auto industry 
as the country recovers from the worst economic downturn since the 
Great Depression. Amid drastic job cuts, plant closures, and financial 
hardship, Ron steered his organization to emerge on a solid footing, 
ensuring that his workers were treated fairly. Tough choices were made, 
but Ron understood that working with the industry was necessary to 
secure stability for the automakers and his workers. This willingness 
contributed significantly to the industry's survival and saved the jobs 
of thousands of auto workers.
  This year also marked the passage of landmark health care reform 
legislation. I was proud to support this legislation, and am grateful 
for the efforts of Ron and his fellow union members in support of 
health care reform.
  It is my honor to recognize Ron for his years of service and 
contributions to organized labor. His leadership and warm demeanor will 
be missed among his fellow union members, but his legacy will live on. 
I look forward to working closely with UAW's new president Bob King and 
I wish Ron a happy and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________