[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRONWORKERS LOCAL NUMBER 25

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today marks the 100th anniversary of 
Ironworkers Local Number 25--the largest ironworkers local in the 
Nation. On Saturday, July 21, 2001, thousands of members of Local 25, 
their families and friends will gather in Detroit, MI to celebrate this 
significant milestone.
  Founded on July 18, 1901, and chartered by the International 
Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing 
Ironworkers, Local 25 is responsible for the construction of much of 
modern day Detroit. As we continue to celebrate the 300th anniversary 
of Detroit, many of the most notable landmarks that dot Detroit's 
skyline were constructed by members of Local 25. Cobo Hall, the 
Broadway Theater, the Renaissance Center and many of the cities' auto 
plants are just a few of the facilities constructed with the help of 
Local 25.
  Dubbed ``I-beam cowboys'' or ``cowboys of the sky,'' because of their 
independent nature and the fact that they often work hundreds of feet 
above ground on steel beams only a few inches wide, ironworkers are 
proud of the challenging and rewarding nature of their work. 
Ironworkers are not to be confused with steelworkers who make steel. 
Ironworkers take architectural plans and turn them into massive steel 
structures. This work can send ironworkers all over the country--in 
fact, some members of Local 25 are working in our very backyard on the 
biggest steel project underway in North America: the Washington, DC 
Convention Center.
  The independent nature of ironworkers makes the success of Local 25 
even more significant. While one should never doubt the strength of an 
individual ironworker, the strength of ironworkers uniting together 
around a common goal is something to behold. While their collective 
work is evident in beautiful structures across our Nation, Local 25 and 
the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and 
Reinforcing Ironworkers have also worked together to guarantee fair 
wages, increased safety and needed benefits for their members.
  Local 25's contributions to Detroit and our Nation can be seen in 
skylines, bridges and facilities across our country. At the same time, 
Local 25 has worked to protect the rights of skilled workers enabling 
them and their families to build better lives. I know that my Senate 
colleagues join me in saluting Local 25 for all the enthusiasm they 
bring to their work everyday, and for all they have done to build our 
Nation.

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