Recognizing Michael Ralph Thibault for Being Inducted Into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Michael Ralph Thibault for his induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. Through a lifetime of service and devotion to the public good, Michael has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula and the state of Michigan.

The U.P. Labor Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to recognize unionists who have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of worker dignity and workplace fairness. With a lifetime of service to his community and state, Michael is very deserving of this honor.

Michael was born in Escanaba, Michigan, on November 12, 1949, and was raised in the Village of Garden. He spent many summers working for local farmers and loggers until he graduated from Garden High School in 1967. In the spring of 1968, he traveled to Detroit with a Garden Peninsula ironworker to find work, eventually becoming a permit ironworker for a construction site.

In 1969, Michael decided to return to the U.P. and was accepted for an apprenticeship with International Association of Iron Workers Local 783. Over the next two decades, he served as an on-site steward representing Local 783 and Local 8 while working on many industrial projects. During that time, he joined the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for Local 783 and eventually the Executive Board as a Recording Secretary. Michael went on to serve in several other supporting roles, including as an Ironworker Business Representative, a delegate to the Marquette County Labor Council, and the founding president of the Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Michael Ralph Thibault for his induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. This great honor reflects a lifetime of service towards the rights and wellbeing of fellow workers. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source