[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 101 (Thursday, June 26, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HUGH McVEY

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, I wish to congratulate Hugh 
McVey on his retirement and to thank him for his many years of 
leadership and service to the field of labor. For over 40 years, Hugh 
has been a champion of workers' rights and has fought tirelessly to 
improve the lives of Missouri's workers and their families. It is my 
pleasure to honor him today.
  A native of St. Louis, MO, Hugh comes from a working family of 11 
children. His family's strong labor background encouraged him to get 
involved. His uncle Duke was president of the Missouri AFL-CIO for many 
years until Hugh succeeded him in 1999. Hugh considered his father and 
uncle his closest friends and respected their advice and support.
  Hugh attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While there, 
he became involved with the operating engineers and was the group 
steward and later chief steward for Local 148 out of Collinsville, IL. 
He then became the business agent and assistant business manager for 
the same local.
  After his time with the operating engineers, McVey worked for Union 
Electric, now Ameren, for 23 years and joined Operating Engineers Local 
1148 in 1974. In 1997, Hugh relocated to Jefferson City, when he was 
elected executive vice president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. In 1999, he 
was elected President, and served for 17 years before his retirement 
this July.
  During Hugh's tenure as president of the Missouri AFL-CIO, the 
organization was instrumental in advocating for the union rights 
Executive order, the Affordable Care Act, and the ``Made in Missouri'' 
jobs package. Hugh's effective leadership shaped the Missouri AFL-CIO 
into the outstanding organization it is today. As president, Hugh 
continued to attend local meetings and listened to workers' concerns. 
He effectively recruited candidates for local offices and worked with 
legislators on pending legislation that would impact the worker. Hugh 
considers the labor movement his life's work, never a job. Hugh is 
completely dedicated to ensuring that workers get a fair day's pay and 
reasonable benefits. His passion to help working families is 
unparalleled.
  Hugh and his wife Peggy have three daughters: Megan, Maureen, and 
Colleen. I know they will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with 
him.
  It is my pleasure to honor my friend Hugh McVey today. His dedicated 
leadership has improved the quality of the workplace for Missourians. 
He has touched the lives of many, and improved the quality of our 
community at large.
  I ask that the Senate join me in congratulating and honoring Hugh 
McVey.

                          ____________________