[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 17 (Monday, February 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LOCAL 34 OF THE FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES, UNITE HERE 
              ON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
extend my warmest congratulations to Local 34 of the Federation of 
University Employees, UNITE HERE as they celebrate their 30th 
Anniversary--a remarkable milestone for this wonderful organization!
  Representing over 3400 clerical and technical employees at Yale 
University, Local 34 has given a strong voice to its membership over 
the last three decades. Their members perform a broad spectrum of 
duties that make Yale University a world-class institution of teaching, 
research and medical care. Local 34's efforts have ensured fair 
salaries and guaranteed raises, healthcare benefits, workplace health 
and safety protections, as well as good pensions and fully paid retiree 
medical benefits for members and their spouses. Local 34 can be proud 
of the work they do on behalf of their members and the role the union 
plays in making Yale a great place to work.
  The organization of Local 34 holds a special place in my memory--it 
is hard to believe that 30 years have already passed. As the 
organization effort grew, my husband and I were glad to support them 
and our basement housed the phone-bank effort. Our home became a base 
of operation throughout the creation of Local 34 and it was a proud 
moment when the day of the vote came and Local 34 became a reality. 
Over the course of the last three decades, Local 34 has played a unique 
role in our community, not only representing the interests of their 
members, but also in strengthening the town-gown relationship between 
Yale University and the City of New Haven.
  Understanding the connection between strong communities and healthy 
employment, in the 1990's Local 34 created the New Haven Resident's 
Training Program--one of the few job training initiatives in the entire 
country that led to a commitment to hire locally. Today, as New Haven 
and the country emerge from challenging economic times, Local 34 has 
doubled-down on this effort with the creation of a jobs pipeline--New 
Haven Works--an organization committed to providing employers with a 
trained and qualified workforce and connecting New Haven residents to 
good jobs. Last year alone they placed over 300 individuals in new jobs 
and the effort is only growing.
  From its origins as a ``pink-collar'' union of secretaries--little 
sister to the blue-collar Local 35--Local 34 has grown into a labor 
powerhouse. I am honored to have this opportunity to extend my 
heartfelt congratulations to Local 34 President Laurie Kennington, the 
union's executive leadership, and each of its more than 3400 members as 
they celebrate this very special anniversary. Happy 30th and best 
wishes for many more years of success!

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