[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21163]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          JACK LASKOWSKI: A TRUE LEADER WILL BE DEARLY MISSED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, on August 8, 1999, friends, family and 
brothers and sisters of the United Auto Workers lost a great man with 
the passing of Jack Laskowski. For more than 40 years, he worked in the 
automotive industry from his first days at General Motors Powertrain in 
Bay City to his more recent position as a Vice President for the UAW, 
and the lead negotiator with DaimlerChrysler.
  It has been my privilege to know Jack Laskowski. As my mentor, he 
helped me to truly understand the importance of staying connected with 
the people we represent. As a friend, he has helped me and so many 
others understand that anything worth having is worth fighting for as a 
matter of principle. He carried that attitude throughout everything he 
did.
  A UAW Member since 1958, Jack was elected to Local 362's bargaining 
committee in 1965. The Committee was headed by his father, Walter 
``Bullet'' Laskowski, who himself was the Local's first chairman and 
participated in the 1936 strike at the plant that led to the formation 
of the Local. Jack was also interested in politics and served a term as 
a City Commissioner of Bay City from 1968 through 1971. In 1982, Jack 
was named regional director and, in 1992, he was elected as the 
Director of UAW Region 1D. He was then elected Vice President of the 
United Auto Workers at its 31st Constitutional Convention in 1995.
  Jack Laskowski had a tremendous ability to understand and appreciate 
the problems that people face in their every day lives. Whether it was 
the need for a better wage, safer working conditions, or helping his 
union brothers and sisters deal with the needs of their children, Jack 
Laskowski could always be counted on to be part of the solution.
  Those of us in public office in Michigan knew how important and vital 
help from Jack Laskowski could be. He looked at politics as an 
important extension of his efforts to help make life better for his 
union brothers and sisters. Some things the company and union could do. 
Other things needed help from the government. It was part of his life's 
work to make sure that government knew what Jack's brothers and sisters 
needed.
  Jack could not have achieved these great accomplishments without the 
support of his loving family and is survived by his wife Sally, and his 
sons Greg, Tim and Mike.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout our lives we may be fortunate to meet 
precious few people who make a real difference, and who deserve to be 
admired. For me, Jack Laskowski was such a man. Jack may no longer be 
with us, but the glories of his work will continue to benefit workers 
for years to come. I ask you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
honoring this wonderful gentleman, and in offering our condolences to 
this family following their loss of this true leader.

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