[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE OCCASION OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS LOCAL 
                         25'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate with the brothers 
and sisters of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 25 as 
they celebrate the Local's 100th Anniversary.
  As a part of organized labor, the members of Local 25 have been a 
voice in the chorus of a movement that has done much to ensure that 
today we are closer to knowing that a fair day's work equals a fair 
day's pay, that our work environment is safer than it has ever been and 
that when unexpected challenges strike, our jobs will be protected. 
Throughout our history, Local 25 and other locals across the labor 
movement have been at the forefront of protecting the rights of working 
Americans. Indeed, it is thanks to the aspiration, dedication and 
determination of working men and women and the labor movement that our 
Nation has given rise to a strong and dynamic middle class--the core of 
our vibrant economy. As a key force in these continuing endeavors, 
organized labor is the great fulcrum by which the gains of our economic 
success are enhanced.
  As the members of Local 25 celebrate a truly tremendous milestone, 
100 years of service to working men and women across Southeast Michigan 
and beyond, we are reminded that those benefits which we see today are 
a product of their struggles and their triumphs. Brought into reality 
by the hard work and determination of George Martens, Thomas Beasley 
and Nathan Metcalf, the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers 
Local 25 has been emblematic of the efforts of organized labor.
  Following its creation 1911, the Local 25 advocated for the fair 
treatment and pay of its members and like many of their brothers and 
sisters, saw great success as minimum wage laws and fair labor laws 
were implemented and successfully defended. In 1950, Local 25 setup its 
first health and welfare fund to protect its members. Just six years 
later, the local created a pension fund and the following year insured 
that its members who had worked hard their whole life would have 
dignity in retirement.
  As an advocate for safer working environments, in 1960, Local 25 took 
a leadership role in protecting its members from the harmful side 
effects of asbestos. As time pressed on, Local 25 pioneered the 
supplemental unemployment benefit fund in 1969, insulating its hard 
working members to be from work loss in slow economic times.
  In its many evolving roles, Local 25 took on the role of educator to 
both current and aspiring members. In 1977 Local 25 created its 
apprenticeship and training programs, to educate new members and 
continue the education of its current members. Through this work, Local 
25 has established a professional craftsman code of conduct which it 
uses to uphold its high standards of quality.
  Mr. Speaker, I know in the years ahead that we will continue to see 
the rise of new challenges and opportunities. Thanks to hard work and 
dedication of working men and women, like those of Heat and Frost 
Insulators and Allied Workers Local 25, I am confident we will continue 
to rise above those challenges and embrace new opportunities that will 
benefit all Americans. Local 25's 100th Anniversary is truly an 
auspicious occasion and I wish its leadership and members many more 
years of success.

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