[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 119 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1462-E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 478 AS 
              THEY CELEBRATE THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to join the many 
who have gathered to celebrate ``A Century of Building Connecticut''--
the 100th Anniversary of the International Union of Operating 
Engineers, Local 478. Over the last century, the members of Local 478 
have been an integral part of Connecticut's construction industry, 
involved in some of the most important and influential projects in our 
state. The proud members of Local 478 work tirelessly to make the Union 
the premier supplier of heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and 
support personnel in Connecticut.
  Local 478 began as most trade unions did--with a group of workers 
banding together to negotiate safer working conditions and better pay. 
The 18 original members of Local 478 were granted a charter by the 
International Union of Steam Engineers in September of 1911. Over the 
course of its history, Local 478 was also granted several other 
charters, including the Hoisting and Portable Charter, the Journeyman 
and Apprentice Charter, as well as the 478B, 478C, 478D and 478E 
charters--all of which represent the various skills and crafts of 
today's membership.
  One hundred years later, Local 478 continues to serve the interests 
of their membership. From its humble beginnings, Local 478 has grown to 
represent more than four thousand members and it has ensured that each 
of its members and their families have access to state-of-the-art 
training, fair wages and benefits, and a secure retirement. These are 
protections that these hard-working men and women rightly deserve. 
Their work to provide and maintain our state's infrastructure 
strengthens our communities and improves the quality of life for all 
Connecticut residents. From the inception of the Merritt Parkway,

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through the damming of the Naugatuck Valley, to the building of 
Connecticut's tallest structure and one of the world's largest casinos, 
the men and women of Local 478 have proudly worked day in and day out 
to quite literally build Connecticut.
  As they celebrate this remarkable milestone in their history, I am 
proud to stand and extend my sincere congratulations to the leadership 
and membership of International Union Operating Local 478--past and 
present--for their many invaluable contributions to our community. I 
have and continue to be proud to work with them in their endeavors to 
enrich our state as well as the lives of their membership. Happy 100th 
Anniversary!

                          ____________________