[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E120-E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ROBBIE HUNTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 7, 2022

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
contributions of Robbie Hunter upon his retirement as President of the 
California Building and Construction Trades Council.
  Robbie grew up in Sailertown, Belfast, the son, nephew, grandson and 
great-grandson of the mariners, steeplejacks and dock workers that 
built Belfast's historic shipyards and ships, including the Titanic. 
Although Robbie has lived in America for decades, he has never lost 
either his Belfast brogue or his love for the families and Irish 
culture that made him who he is today and empowered him to lift up 
workers throughout California and across the country.

[[Page E121]]

  Robbie initially came to the United States in the late 70s as an 
ironworker, where he contributed to the construction of the American 
Skyline, from New York City to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Continuing 
the family legacy of championing the rights of unions, Robbie became 
the president of the largest Ironworker local in the United States and 
Canada, Local 433. Robbie went on to become a renowned labor leader in 
California and United States, taking over the leadership of the Los 
Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. As 
executive secretary, Robbie used his previous experience in the public 
sector to negotiate agreements and contracts with public and private 
companies, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Los 
Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles Airport, and Port of 
Los Angeles.
  Shortly after, Robbie was elected as the President of the California 
State Building and Construction Trades Council (SBCTC), which oversees 
over 180 local unions representing over 68,000 apprentices and 450,000 
skilled construction workers. As President, Robbie worked diligently to 
pass landmark legislation that promoted better working conditions, more 
comprehensive educational programs, and reasonable wages and benefits.
  I have had the personal pleasure of getting to know and working with 
Robbie over the years and extend my utmost appreciation for his work on 
behalf of the half a million hardworking construction workers he 
represented as President of SBCTC of California. After dedicating his 
life to ensuring the safety and security of apprentices and skilled 
workers through union work, Robbie is opening the door for the 
continual betterment of union members across California and the United 
States.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this 
accomplished, well-respected man, Robbie Hunter, in honor of his 
retirement.

                          ____________________