[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS LOCAL 135, LABOR UNION OF THE YEAR:

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very dedicated Labor 
organization that has distinguished itself in San Diego County.
  In Labor, we realize that hard-fought victories can only be 
accomplished if we stand together to reach a common goal.
  This is especially true when unions come together to stand up for 
issues that don't directly affect their membership. The United Food and 
Commercial Workers Local 135 is an example of how all unions can 
contribute to Labor's victories.
  The blue and yellow of UFCW Local 135 can be seen at nearly every 
Labor Council event.
  From precinct walks to rallies and job actions, UFCW Local 135 
understands that Labor must stand up for each other in order for it to 
achieve success.
  In the weeks leading up to June's primary election, at least a dozen 
UFCW Local 135 members volunteered for each precinct walk and weekly 
phone banks to protect union jobs in construction, an industry in which 
they have no members.
  This was repeated in the fall as UFCW Local 135 strongly supported 
the election of Jerry Brown for governor.
  This leadership by example was rewarded throughout 2010 as members 
from other unions supported UFCW Local 135's priority issue of 
requiring large big box retailers to prove they don't have a negative 
economic impact on neighborhoods.
  The desire of other unions to write letters, make phone calls and 
attend community planning meetings was a result of the respect won by 
UFCW Local 135 for the solidarity they've shown other unions.
  For their exemplary display of leadership and volunteerism, I join 
with the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council in honoring 
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 as 2011--San Diego and 
Imperial Counties Labor Council's Union of the Year.

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