[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20915]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         HONORING PAUL DUFAULT

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I honor one of the most 
fervent advocates for the labor movement and working families across 
the country; Mr. Paul Dufault.
  For the past 45 years, Paul has served the men and women of New 
England as an active member, secretary-treasurer and later as president 
of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445. Despite a 
changing economy and an evolving workforce, Paul's vision and 
motivation remained strong and unwavering for almost half a century. I 
am proud to extend to him my warmest appreciation for his steadfast 
commitment to economic prosperity for all individuals and families.
  Paul began his career in labor advocacy as a part-time employee at 
Stop and Shop Supermarket, where he became a member of the Retail 
Clerks Union Local 1445 in 1956. Four years later, when Local 826 of 
Worcester acquired the Worcester jurisdiction from Local 1445, Paul was 
brought on as an organizer. Paul's strong work ethic and potential did 
not go unnoticed an this was reflected in his promotion to business 
agent. This was followed in 1967 with an appointment to International 
Representative. Paul then advanced in 1971 to president of Local 1435. 
With the merger of the Retail Clerks International Union and the 
Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen in 1976, Local 1435 merged 
with Local 1445 and Paul stepped into the position of secretary-
treasurer.
  In 1996, Paul was elected president of United Food and Commercial 
Workers Local 1445 of Boston, MA. More than 3,000 new Local 1445 
members were organized in the last three years, resulting in Local 1445 
becoming the largest UFCW local in New England. Paul's leadership has 
resulted in improved benefits and working conditions for members. Local 
1445 is indebted to Paul and all he has done for the working men and 
women of New England and I join them in thanking Paul for his 
contribution to the labor movement over the last 45 years.
  In addition to Paul's accomplishments in Local 1445, Paul was also 
vice president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and served as chairman of 
the UFCW Interstate Health & Welfare fund, where he had been a trustee 
since 1971. He contributed his expertise in labor issues to the 
Gloucester Seafood Workers Pension and Health Welfare fund as a 
trustee, and served as an alternate on the UFCW National Pension Fund, 
as well.
  Mr. President, I am truly grateful to join families across 
Massachusetts and throughout the country in celebrating Paul's career 
and contributions. I wish he and Judy, as well as his four children and 
seven grandchildren, the very best as they begin this new chapter in 
their lives.

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