[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2152-E2153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE UNIFICATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMUNICATIONS UNION AND 
   THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the January 1, 2012 
unification of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and the 
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).
  These two distinguished unions, with railroad roots, are on course to 
become one strong voice for hundreds of thousands of middle-class 
working men and women across America.
  In 1888, 19 machinists meeting in a locomotive pit in Atlanta, 
Georgia formed what is now IAMAW, commonly known as the ``Fighting 
Machinists.'' Throughout their 123 year history, the Fighting 
Machinists have grown to represent workers in several industries, 
including: aerospace, transportation, government, automotive, defense, 
and woodworking.
  Today's TCU is also one union made of many. At its core is the union 
founded in 1899, which became the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. In 
1919, the union became the

[[Page E2153]]

Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express 
and Station Employees. To further reflect the diversity of the union's 
membership, the delegates to the 1987 Convention voted to become TCU.
  By joining the ranks of the Machinists, TCU will help strengthen the 
organization's membership and the overall labor movement. For more than 
a century, both TCU and IAMAW have stood for the welfare and prosperity 
of their members. Today, these unions continue to fight on behalf of 
their members who exemplify the values of hard work, faith, family, and 
community.
  This unification not only brings together two unions, but also two 
dedicated presidents--Tom Buffenbarger and Bob Scardelletti. Tom 
Buffenbarger began his career as a journeyman tool and die maker at 
General Electric's jet engine plant in Evendale, Ohio. In 1997, he 
became the youngest IAMAW President in its history. Bob Scardelletti, a 
life-long railroader, started out as a yard clerk in Cleveland with the 
New York Central Railroad in 1967. In 1971, he took on his first union 
position and by 1991 was elected TCU president and has been re-elected 
four times.
  TCU and IAMAW were fundamental in building the American middle-class, 
and have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for 
working families. Their combined strength will provide continued 
leadership throughout the labor movement, particularly in the 
transportation industry. It is my pleasure to honor this historic event 
and congratulate their members as they join forces under the new TCU/
IAMAW.

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