[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID HECKER

   Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an 
accomplished and highly regarded leader in Michigan's labor movement, 
David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers--AFT--
Michigan. David has made an immeasurable impact on the State of 
Michigan and its many educators and healthcare providers over the past 
40 years, and it is a privilege to recognize him here today and 
celebrate his upcoming retirement.
  David's engagement with the labor movement first began in 1977, when 
he became a member of AFT Local 3220, a union of graduate assistants at 
the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his Ph.D. in 
industrial relations. Following his graduation, David's commitment to 
strengthening the labor movement continued to grow, serving as the 
executive assistant to the president of the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-
CIO from 1986 to 1996, where he worked to protect the welfare of 
Michigan's labor force and support the activities of local unions.
  David's history with the Michigan chapter of the AFT began with his 
service as secretary-treasurer for the organization in the late 1990s. 
In 2001, David was named the president of AFT Michigan, a role which he 
has occupied with distinction since. Under his leadership, AFT Michigan 
has organized many new locals that represent thousands of Michiganders 
working in public education and healthcare, in addition to expanding 
partnerships in the State and overall strengthening Michigan's labor 
movement.
  In 2004, David expanded his involvement with the labor movement to a 
national level, and began his service as a vice president of the 
national AFT, which included serving on the AFT executive committee and 
cochairing the AFT organizing committee. For many years, he has been a 
member of the Michigan State AFL-CIO and Metro Detroit AFL-CIO's 
executive mommittees and has also been a member of AFT delegations to 
the Education International World Congress, worked with the National 
Union of Teachers in England, the Cambodian Independent Teachers Union, 
and higher education unions in Israel and the occupied territories.
  David's legacy of leadership and service expands beyond the labor 
movement. His work includes serving as the chair of Community in 
Schools Michigan and the Green and Health Schools Coalition; as cochair 
of the Metropolitan Affairs Corporation; on the boards of Promote the 
Vote, the Michigan League for Public Policy, the Education Alliance of 
Michigan and New Detroit; and finally, as an officer-at-large of the 
Michigan Democratic Party.
  I cannot understate the impact that David Hecker has had on 
Michigan's workforce and labor movement. A lifelong trade unionist, he 
has over these many years steadfastly promoted positive change in our 
communities and created a model for public service that is unmatched. 
Though his leadership at the American Federation of Teachers Michigan 
will be sorely missed, his legacy will most certainly endure and 
continue to inspire.

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