[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 86 (Friday, May 17, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING BERNIE RICKE'S LEADERSHIP OF UAW LOCAL 600 IN DEARBORN, 
                                MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bernie Ricke, 
President of UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Michigan, on the occasion of 
his retirement. His dedication to the UAW over the last 51 years, and 
his leadership of Local 600 for the past 15 years, is worthy of 
commendation.
  UAW Local 600 currently has over 30,000 active and retired members, 
representing a diverse membership from the Ford Rouge Complex, AK 
Steel, truck drivers, independent part suppliers, as well as healthcare 
and technical office professionals. They currently have over 47 
autonomous bargaining units throughout Southeastern Michigan.
  Bernie was born into the auto industry as the son of an engineer who 
worked at Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. At the age of 18, Bernie 
took a job in a Ford warehouse and shortly thereafter joined the UAW as 
a member of Local 600 in November of 1973. He quickly took on more 
roles within the union, holding positions of Financial Secretary, 
District Committee-person, Bargaining Committee-person, and Vice 
President of the Parts Depot Unit. From 1997 he served as the Second 
and First Vice President of Local 600 before being elected President in 
2009. His leadership over the last 15 years has earned him the respect 
of not only local leaders but national leaders as well. UAW VP Chuck 
Browning said about Bernie ``He's unselfish, He's humble. And he's a 
really powerful presence in our union.'' Rory Gamble, the former 
president of the UAW, said ``Bernie's leadership legacy will fare well 
over the years as historians look back at his impact on the UAW and 
Ford. He was steady, fair, and successful for members in the worst of 
times. If the measure of a man is the dignity he brings to others, he 
will always be a giant in our union.''
  Bernie and I got to know each other through the many community 
projects that he has dedicated himself to. Outside of his work with the 
UAW, Bernie and his wife, Sue, are pillars of the Detroit community. 
Together they run the Bernie Ricke Charity Fund out of Trenton, MI. 
Bernie is a lifetime member of the NAACP, member of the Labor Advisory 
Board for Health Alliance Plan, and serves as the Chairman of the Board 
of Directors for Bridging Communities Incorporated. Bridging 
Communities is a non-profit organization that serves the community of 
Southwest Detroit by providing a variety of services to the homebound 
elderly including meals on wheels, minor home repairs, transportation 
for doctors' appointments and medical care. In 1999 and again in 2004, 
Bernie was given the ``Spirit of Detroit'' award by the Detroit City 
Council.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bernie Ricke 
for all that he has done for the people of Southeastern Michigan. 
Together we have been through the thick and thin of life, surviving the 
tough times by breaking bread at his famous garage parties. We wish him 
all best in retirement, though we know he will still be working hard to 
support the UAW and his Detroit community in whatever ways he can. I 
thank Bernie.

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