[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 34 (Monday, February 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LIFE OF GWEN YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 26, 2018

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gwen York who 
dedicated her life to advance the goals of Transportation Workers Union 
(TWA) and the Texas American Federation of Laborers and Congress of 
Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). As Director of Transport Workers 
Union International Committee on Political Education, Gwen's 
contribution to the TWA and AFL-CIO are incalculable due to the 
combination of her unwavering dedication and prudent leadership. For 
these reasons and more, Gwen will be remembered as an integral part of 
the Transport Workers Union, a beloved member of the Texas AFL-CIO 
Executive Board, an outstanding organizer and a passionate voice for 
working families across the state.
  Gwen York was born December 27, 1956, in Houston, Texas. Soon after 
her first birthday, her family relocated to Garland, Texas where she 
would spend much of her life. Gwen graduated from South Garland High 
School in 1974, and attended the University of Texas at Austin. In 
1980, Gwen opted to become a flight attendant, an occupation she loved 
dearly. However, she never forgot the importance of education, when she 
decided to return to school and graduate from the National Labor 
College in 2006.
  Gwen's passion, experience, and tenacity made her a unique and 
irreplaceable advocate for labor rights. Gwen's laser focus on the 
future of labor as well disrupting the status quo prompted her to 
undertake the task of mentoring the next generation of union activists. 
She dedicated her time to mentoring young women, who she believed would 
serve as a new stream of activists that would help renew the labor 
advocacy movement and push it into the 21st century and beyond.
  Today, we recognize Gwen York for her leadership, dedication, and 
lifelong work with the Transport Workers Union and the Texas American 
Federation of Laborers and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
  I honor the life of Gwen York, a cornerstone of the labor movement 
and an exemplar of women's leadership.

                          ____________________