[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 182 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

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          125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, growing up in East St. Louis, both my mom 
and dad worked for the railroads. We weren't wealthy, but we had a 
comfortable life. I have come to learn how connected that was to our 
being a union family. I believe that more than any other force in 
American history, the American labor movement has created middle-class 
opportunity in America. Unions have won victories that have allowed 
American workers to buy homes, send their kids to college, and save for 
retirement. I know firsthand that none of this would be possible if 
workers did not have the freedom to advocate for fair working 
conditions for themselves and their families.
  That is why I am proud to say that Chicago is the hometown of the 
American Labor Movement, the site of the Haymarket Affair, the Pullman 
railroad strike, and the Republic Steel Strike. Today, Chicago's union 
members continue to be students of history and recognize the struggles 
of those who fought for fairness, justice, and equality at work. 
Throughout its 125-year history, the Chicago Federation of Labor--CFL--
has consistently fought for fair treatment of workers in Chicago, Cook 
County, and beyond. Though the people, challenges, and times may have 
changed, the CFL's mission has remained firm. Throughout its history, 
the CFL has organized workers across industries regardless of race, 
ethnicity, or nationality. Today, we celebrate the great work of the 
Chicago Federation of Labor and congratulate its staff and supporters 
on its 125th anniversary.
  The Chicago Federation of Labor was chartered in 1896 by the American 
Federation of Labor. Formed, in part, as an attempt to end corruption 
in Chicago's labor unions, the CFL focused its early efforts on 
strengthening a unified voice for the city's labor movements, upholding 
the labor rights of its union members, and mediating contract disputes 
on behalf of local unions. In 1906, Irish immigrant John Fitzpatrick 
was elected president of the CFL. An organizer and committed unionist, 
his innovation ushered in an era of stability and reform to the union 
community. During his 40-year tenure as president, Fitzpatrick created 
accessible news publications and established the labor party.
  Upon Fitzpatrick's death, William Lee, president of Bakery Drivers 
Union Local 734 and vice president of the CFL, was elected president 
and would go on to serve for nearly 40 years. Lee continued 
Fitzpatrick's commitment to racial and social justice, as the CFL and 
other labor organizations supported Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 
organizing his visits to and rallies in Chicago. In 1964, then-CFL 
President Lee celebrated the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act on 
the front page of the Federation News, writing, ``[W]e have come closer 
to the ideal of the Declaration of independence with the Civil Rights 
Law.''
  In its fight for justice for all workers, the CFL has welcomed 
freedom fighters and labor leaders from around the world to Chicago, 
including Cesar Chavez, Lech Walesa, and Nelson Mandela. In 1994, under 
the leadership of President Don Turner, the CFL launched its Workers' 
Assistance Committee, now the CFL Workforce and Community Initiative, 
which provides job seekers, including veterans and low-income workers, 
with training and job search resources. In recent years, the CFL has 
worked to pass increases to the minimum wage, paid sick leave, 
protections to retirement security, and a host of other policies to 
protect workers.
  While in Congress, I have had the pleasure of working with the CFL on 
a variety of issues. Just this year, I was honored to work with current 
CFL President Bob Reiter on the inclusion of a 100 percent coverage for 
COBRA health insurance premiums as part of the American Rescue Plan 
Act, helping millions of struggling workers to remain on their employer 
health plans.
  The blueprint created 125 years ago has evolved, but the mission of 
the CFL has remained constant. Today, with nearly 300 affiliates and 
500,000 union members in Chicago and Cook County, the CFL continues to 
embody the ethos of practical idealism and unrelenting determination 
for working people.
  Congratulations to the Chicago Federation of Labor on 125 years of 
great work, giving workers a support network to advocate for their 
rights.
  (At the request of Mr. Thune, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)

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