[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING LAWRENCE BACKLAS ON HIS EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO BCTGM 
                               LOCAL 36G

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Lawrence Backlas. Larry has long been a steadfast supporter of unions 
and labor management, and he dedicated 38 years to Milkbone Bakery and 
the 36G Union. I am pleased to honor a man who dedicated so much of his 
life to improving the Western New York workforce.
  Hired in 1970, Larry began his career in packaging. This included 
packing and transporting goods to local bakeshops for consumers to 
purchase. During this time, he was a part of the safety committee 
ensuring that all employees were cared for and protected when they came 
to work. He also served on the production B&R committee.
  Ultimately, it was Larry's hard work and commitment to Milkbone 
Bakery that allowed him to progress in his career. He soon became the 
steward at the bakeshop before his promotion to head shop steward for 
the entire bakery. In this position, he was also the lead force behind 
the union's training committee from 1997 to 1998. Larry would go on to 
become the Financial Secretary and Vice President of the General 
Executive Board, and he took on the role of union negotiator for many 
critical deals in the early 2000s.
  While Larry may have retired in June of 2009, he never lost his 
spirit and advocacy for the BCTGM Union. Today we are honoring Larry 
for paying 50 years of union dues--a full 13 years more than the 
requirement.
  Since retirement, Larry has had more time to spend with his wife (and 
high school sweetheart), Patricia. The two are now into their 48th year 
of marriage. Him and his son, Lawrence, Jr., continue to share their 
love of martial arts. And undoubtedly, nothing will stop Larry from 
enjoying the outdoors, fishing, and hunting for many years to come.
  I am honored to join the BCTGM Local 36G in recognizing and 
congratulating Lawrence Backlas on his storied career with Milkbone 
Bakery and his dedication to organized labor.

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