[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 153 (Friday, September 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF KEVIN VAN BUSKIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 3, 2021

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service 
of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, Kevin Van Buskirk, and 
congratulate him on his retirement from the Contra Costa Building & 
Construction Trades Council and Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 
104.
  Kevin was born in Pleasant Hill, California, to Joel and Deanna Van 
Buskirk. After graduating in 1979, he became a Teamster and worked as a 
tire man in San Leandro. After his apprenticeship with Marelich 
Mechanical at the Chevron Campus, he became an official sheet metal 
worker. While working as a journeyman, foreman, and general foreman, 
Kevin actively organized with Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 104 
by attending meetings, events, union pickets, and protests.
  In November of 1995, Kevin was appointed as the union's first full-
time organizer. As an example of the important work he has done, his 
efforts to hold a particular non-union company accountable led to the 
involvement of the Santa Clara County District Attorney and the 
revelation of ongoing wage theft. In 2000, Kevin was elected Business 
Representative for Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 104. He also 
served as a delegate to the Contra Costa Building and Construction 
Trades Council, as well as a delegate to the Contra Costa Central Labor 
Council. In 2007, Kevin became President of the Contra Costa Building & 
Construction Trades Council and Vice President of the Contra Costa 
Central Labor Council.
  In these capacities, he has negotiated numerous project labor 
agreements and has assisted many young men and women, as well as our 
returning veterans, into the trades.
  Kevin firmly believes that becoming a unionized tradesman has 
resulted in the success of his career and the ability to provide for 
his family.
  I wish Kevin well in his retirement and thank him for his enduring 
commitment to the rights of all workers. Please join me in honoring 
Kevin Van Buskirk for his many contributions to our community.

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