[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 21788]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING WILLIAM E. OSOS

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, It is with a heavy heart that I pay 
tribute to a true friend and Hoosier, William E. Osos. Bill, a former 
director for the United Auto Workers Region 3, passed away on October 
6th, leaving behind a loving family and thousands of Hoosiers who 
benefited from his devotion to working men and women. My thoughts and 
prayers this week are with his wife Genevieve and their children and 
grandchildren.
  Bill was a man of courage and conviction, who did what was right 
regardless of the popularity at the moment. He served for 2 years in 
the Navy during World War II. At home in Michigan City, Bill first 
became active in the UAW while working at Michiana Products Company. It 
was the beginning of a commitment he would honor throughout his life. 
In 1966, he was appointed an international representative of the union 
by UAW president Walter P. Reuther. He eventually was elected to be 
director of the union's Region 3 in 1984, a position he served in until 
his retirement in 1992.
  Bill's dedication to the working men and women of Indiana was 
apparent to everyone who met him. He truly relished his role in leading 
the fight for good jobs and good wages. In fact, many Hoosiers and UAW 
members could tell you that it is a role he continued well after his 
retirement. Even after moving from Indiana to Florida, Bill stayed 
involved in UAW work, always ready to help serve.
  His work in Indiana meant so much to the thousands of UAW workers in 
our State, and I also owe Bill a personal debt of gratitude. When I was 
running for secretary of state in Indiana, we didn't have much of a 
Democratic party organization, but we did have organized labor and the 
UAW, with Bill as Region 3 director. His support during my first 
political race was a strong foundation to build on, and with his help, 
I won that election. I went on to serve two terms as Indiana's 
Governor, when together, we were able to give 30,000 of our workers 
collective bargaining rights, more than half represented by the UAW.
  I have had the privilege of knowing and working with many union 
leaders over the years, from the days I spent with my father on his 
campaigns outside plant gates to my work as Governor and through today. 
But Bill sticks out in my memory for his belief in the importance of 
his work and his tireless fighting on behalf of working men and women.
  Bill spent his life fighting for good jobs, affordable health care, 
and secure pensions--all the things that make up the American dream. We 
need more people fighting that fight today, and we will miss Bill 
greatly as we continue his efforts to ensure that every American who 
works hard and plays by the rules can do right by his family.
  Indiana and its people are better for his leadership. Bill was my 
friend, and I will miss him. It is my honor to enter his name into the 
Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

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