[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
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. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ron 
Gettelfinger who is retiring from his role as president of the United 
Auto Workers after years of outstanding service.
  Mr. Gettelfinger has spent his entire career in the auto industry. 
His union involvement began in 1964 with his first job at Ford's truck 
plant in Louisville, Kentucky as a line repairman. There he was elected 
committee member, bargaining chair and president for the plant. After 
excelling in these roles he soon moved on to be elected president of 
his local union in 1984. With diligence, hard work and constant concern 
for his fellow worker, Mr. Gettelfinger quickly rose through the union 
ranks, serving 6 years as director of UAW region 3 until his election 
as the UAW Vice President in 1998. Mr. Gettelfinger's career as UAW 
president began with his election in 2002, and was reconfirmed in 2006.
  At 65, Mr. Gettelfinger is retiring, following a longstanding union 
precedent that asks union presidents not run for reelection beyond this 
age. He will long be remembered for his dedication to his fellow 
workers, whom he warmly refers to as his ``brothers'' and ``sisters.'' 
We can only hope that future presidents will share his inspiring work 
ethic and thoughtful concern for those whom he was charged to 
represent.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to again offer congratulations to Mr. Ron 
Gettelfinger for his tenure as UAW president and to wish him the best 
of luck as he moves onward from his post.

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