[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MERGER OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNICATIONS UNION AND INTERNATIONAL 
            ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
January 1, 2012 merger of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) 
and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 
(IAMAW).
  These two great unions, with railroad roots, are on pace to become 
one strong voice for hundreds of thousands of middle-class working men 
and women across our great nation.
  It was in 1888 that 19 Machinists meeting in a locomotive pit in 
Atlanta, Georgia formed what is now the International Association of 
Machinists and Aerospace Workers, commonly known as the ``Fighting 
Machinists''.
  Today's TCU is one union made of many. At its core is the Union 
founded in 1899, which became the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. Then 
in 1919 the name expanded, becoming the Brotherhood of Railway and 
Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees. To 
further reflect the diversity of the union's membership, the delegates 
at the 1987 Convention voted to become the Transportation 
Communications International Union (TCU).
  TCU, joining the ranks of the Machinists, makes its membership and 
the labor movement that much stronger. Both of these unions are 
constantly fighting for the dignity, welfare and prosperity of their 
members. Workers are the foundation of our nation; they drive our 
economy and our country forward. TCU and the IAM understand the values 
of hard work, faith, family and community--they are the keys of 
success. These four pillars are what make TCU and IAM stronger.
  This merger not only unites two unions but two dedicated union 
presidents as well. The determination of these two men to fight for the 
rights for fair wages and working conditions for everyone has its roots 
in Tom Buffenbarger, who started out as a journeyman tool and die maker 
at GE's jet engine plant in Evendale, Ohio. In 1997 he was the youngest 
IAM President in its history. And Bob Scardelletti, a life-long 
railroader, started out as a yard clerk in Cleveland with the New York 
Central Railroad in 1967; in 1971 took on his first union position and 
by 1991 was elected president and has been re-elected by acclamation 
four times.
  TCU and IAM were fundamental in building the American middle-class, 
and have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for 
working families. Their unions were unified by a common purpose: to do 
the very best they can--every single day--for the members they serve. 
The TCU/IAM merger now creates a powerful force representing close to a 
million active and retired Americans. Their combined strength will 
provide leadership throughout the labor movement; particularly, the 
transportation industry. TCU/IAM is now one of the largest rail unions 
in the United States.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this historic merger for 
the betterment of the hard-working middle-class men and women of our 
country.

                          ____________________