[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 114 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1349-E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           75TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 264

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the members and 
families of United Steelworkers, USW, Local 264 on the occasion of the 
75th anniversary of the union.
  Like the industry and workers it represents, Local 264 has grown and 
evolved during its long history to meet the needs of members and the 
challenges of the day. Starting as a small paper worker union in1937, 
the local served employees at five Saint Paul, Minnesota, paper plants 
as part of the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulfite, and Paper 
Mill Workers. More than 65 years and several union mergers later, the 
growing union eventually became the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, 
Rubber Manufacturing, Energy, Allied-industrial, and Service Workers 
International Union--the United Steelworkers. While many changes have 
occurred in the industry and the union's name, the local has always 
served its members first.
  United Steelworkers Local 264 works to cultivate positive 
relationships between its members and their employers, including 
RockTenn, one of the largest paper recyclers in America. In turn, the 
union is helping to set a high standard for all workers in our State 
and provides much needed resources for safety, skills training, fair 
wages and benefits, and retirement security.

[[Page E1350]]

  In past tough economic conditions that caused layoffs and plant 
closings, Local 264 rose to the challenge, working to advocate on 
behalf of its members. Their dedication to collective bargaining on 
behalf of members for fair wages and safe working conditions reflects a 
central idea that when employees are highly valued, they produce a high 
value work product.
  During its 75 year history, USW Local 264 has produced key leaders in 
the International Union. The union and its leaders have always kept an 
eye on what tomorrow might bring, making sure that whatever changes 
come in the future, that members come first. It is this diligent work 
on behalf of the hundreds of members in the Twin Cities that has earned 
them this reputation, as well as a deserved place in the history of 
Saint Paul and Minnesota.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the United 
Steelworkers Local 264, I am pleased to submit this statement for the 
Congressional Record in recognition of the hardworking men and women 
who are proud members of the union.

                          ____________________