[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN MATTHEWS

 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor John 
Matthews on his recent retirement from Madison Teachers Incorporated, 
MTI, after serving the local teachers union for an impressive 48 years 
as executive director. Hired in 1968 as MTI's first executive 
secretary, a title subsequently changed to executive director, it is 
believed that John is one of the longest serving full-time heads of a 
teachers' union in the country.
  Formed as the Madison Education Association, MEA, in the 1930s, MTI 
served as a predominantly professional organization until 1964 when it 
became certified as the exclusive collective bargaining agent for 
teachers serving in the Madison Metropolitan School District, MMSD. In 
rapid succession, the first professional negotiations committee, PNC, 
was elected in 1965, followed by a name change to Madison Teachers 
Incorporated, MTI, in 1966. With an expanding membership of 
approximately 1,125, MTI realized the need for professional staff, 
hiring John to lead their efforts in June of 1968.
  Growing up in Billings, MT, as the son of the State budget director 
and the grandson of a Montana Supreme Court justice, John began to 
develop his passion for fighting injustice within his grandfather's 
chambers, as well as in and around the Montana State Capitol. In 1968, 
as a high school history and English teacher, John almost immediately 
found himself involved in negotiations regarding health care coverage 
for teachers. It was a path that would define both the man and his 
career in a profound way.
  His almost five decades as MTI executive director have been dedicated 
to protecting MTI's employees and the teachers of Madison's public 
schools. His strong belief in the power of contracts, especially in a 
school district where contracts govern schools, has guided his every 
decision. Under his leadership, MTI has negotiated for the enforcement 
of strong contracts that uphold and strengthen the rights of teachers. 
His undeniable dedication to the teachers' union has been demonstrated 
in his fiery leadership style and tenacity to speak out and protect 
workers' rights to collectively bargain.
  Described by others as engaged, insightful, and ever ready to not 
only listen to teachers' concerns but act on them, John's leadership 
exemplifies an unwavering dedication to the rights of public school 
teachers and public workers. His success in leading MTI is evidenced by 
the positive actions and outcomes achieved by organized labor, 
particularly in a State where the role of unions has recently been 
challenged.
  Over the years, I have been honored to stand in solidarity with John 
on the issues and am proud to call him my friend. On the occasion of 
his retirement, I am pleased to recognize John Matthew's longstanding 
dedication to Madison Teachers Incorporated and his fight to protect 
the rights and personal livelihood of the Madison teachers he served. 
He has impacted lives through his constant engagement, personal 
kindness, and fiery leadership. I wish John and his family all the best 
in his retirement and happiness for many years to come.

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