[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
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. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague John Dingell today 
to recognize the career of Ron Gettelfinger as president of the United 
Auto Workers. Ron joined the union in 1964 when he was working at the 
Ford Motor Company's Louisville assembly plant in Kentucky and soon 
took on a leadership role there. He later became a member of the Ford-
UAW bargaining committee and director of UAW Region 3. In 1998, he was 
elected UAW vice president and in 2002 he became president.
  Ron has been a strong advocate for his brothers and sisters--fighting 
for health care benefits, defending American manufacturing, and 
supporting labor protections in trade agreements. He guided the UAW 
through some of the most challenging times for the U.S. auto industry, 
making tough decisions to save jobs and keep the plants running. His 
focus has always been on Main Street--on a fair deal for American 
workers.
  I congratulate Ron on his service and wish him all the best in 
retirement.

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