[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17219]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       IN HONOR OF JOSEPH TAKACS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I remember Joseph Takacs, a man who 
devoted his life to the betterment of mankind, and the struggles of 
those who needed help the most.
  Mr. Takacs led the autoworkers at General Motor's Fisher Body plant 
in Cleveland for more than 10 nonconsecutive years in the 1960's and 
1970's. A courageous fighter for the working man, Mr. Takacs was one of 
250 workers who staged a sit-in at General Motor's Cleveland planet 
that lasted from December 1936 into February 1937. Through the 
dedication and determination of Mr. Takacs and his striking colleagues 
a nationwide strike began. The strike forced the company to recognize 
the union as a bargaining agent for its hourly employees, even today, 
considered one of the greatest union victories.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Takacs was a dedicated man who committed his life to 
union reform, helping the poor, and fighting for the working men and 
women of this nation. Mr. Takacs was an inspirational leader and a 
mentor for generations to come. A champion of the causes of working 
people, Mr. Takacs never turned his back on anyone. A leader dedicated 
to his fellow colleagues, during strikes, Mr. Takacs would beg for food 
to make sure that there was always food at the union hall.
  Mr. Takacs, a past president of United Auto Workers Local 45, has 
served on the front lines of the battle for working families since the 
1930's. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
life of this truly remarkable man, who has dedicated his life to 
serving others.

                          ____________________