October 11, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 161 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1268-E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING STU SKAUGE, TOMMY SPENCER, AND SHANA THORNTON FOR THEIR 
         INDUCTION INTO THE UPPER PENINSULA LABOR HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the lives and 
service of Stu Skauge, Tommy Spencer, and Shana Thornton on the 
occasion of their induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of 
Fame. Through a lifetime of unparalleled service and devotion to the 
public good, these three leaders have become indispensable parts of 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 their lifetimes in service 
to their fellow workers, Shana, Tommy, and Stu are all clearly 
deserving of this honor.
  Stu Skauge served as a Michigan school teacher for 33 years. As a 
member of the Michigan Education Association (MEA), Stu served as 
president-elect, president, and chief negotiator for his bargaining 
unit in the Marquette Area Public Schools district for over 25 years. 
He would go on to become the MEA UniServ director in Marquette and 
Alger Counties for another 10 years before his retirement. He has 
remained a dedicated leader in retirement, serving on the Ishpeming 
City Council and continuing to be active with the MBA-Retired 
organization. Stu also served as a Sergeant E-5 in the Korean War and 
is a life member and former commander of the Ishpeming VFW.
  As a member of the United Steelworkers for 38 years, Tommy Spencer 
served as a leader, trainer, and activist for on-the-job health and 
safety, eventually becoming the Company Committee Safety Chairperson. 
His efforts were critical in forming the Steelworkers Coalition and 
establishing the Worker Memorial Day event--helping to remember workers 
killed or injured on the job and continue the fight for stronger safety 
and health protections. Tommy has devoted countless hours to volunteer 
work and public service through organizations like the Marquette County 
Labor Council, the Cliff's Shaft Mining Museum Board, the Negaunee 
Township Building and Recreation Committee, and the Harley Owners 
Group.
  While she started her career as a teacher's aide, Shana Thornton 
quickly found her calling as a union activist--serving as steward, 
chapter chair, and local president in her local organization. Her drive 
led her to become a Staff Representative for the American Federation of 
State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) before ultimately 
serving as the Director of Field Services for AFSCME Council 25, where 
she supervised 23 Staff Representatives across the state of Michigan. 
Shana was the first and only woman to serve as President of the 
Marquette County Labor Council. She also served at the state-level on 
the Michigan AFL-CIO General Board and the Michigan Labor-Management 
Council, representing the U.P.
  Madam Speaker, induction into the U.P. Labor Hall of Fame is a 
tremendous honor

[[Page E1269]]

and reflects a lifetime of service towards the rights and well-being of 
fellow workers. None are more deserving of this honor than Stu Skauge, 
Tommy Spencer, and Shana Thornton. Michiganders can take great pride in 
knowing the First District is home to such dedicated leaders. On behalf 
of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________