In Honor of Phillip M. Lelli

IN HONOR OF PHILLIP M. LELLI -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 28, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. ADAM SMITH
OF WASHINGTON
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2004

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, April 25th, the labor community of Pierce County, Washington and American workers nationwide lost one of their most progressive advocates and dedicated voices, Phillip M. Lelli.
Joining the longshore workforce on the Tacoma waterfront in 1949, Phil dedicated his entire career to expanding opportunities at the Port of Tacoma. In doing so he revolutionized the local waterfront.

As President of the Tacoma Longshore Union, ILWU Local 23, for almost twenty years, Phil championed unprecedented standards of efficiency within the labor force and innovations on the docks. At the same time, he strengthened the bargaining power of the ILWU and protected the rights and wellbeing of the longshore men and women.

Truly committed to the expansion of opportunity at the port, Phil elevated his involvement and was a pioneer in forming partnerships with the greater maritime community. He believed in the rewards of port and union cooperation and he continuously advocated on its behalf. In 1977 Phil became the first longshore worker elected to Tacoma's mainstream Propeller Club, and later the Propeller Club awarded Phil its greatest honor, Tacoma Master Mariner for 1982.

Phil's list of accomplishments and legacies is long and impressive. His influence has had a ripple effect in the Tacoma community that will continue long after his passing.

I honor the life of Phillip Lelli on an appropriate occasion. Today is National Worker's Memorial Day, a day observed by trade unions since 1989 to honor American workers who have been killed or injured on the job in the last year and an occasion to rededicate ourselves to protecting the health and wellbeing of workers in the future. While Phil recently lost his life after a battle with cancer, he truly worked day to day until his very last to protect the American worker-a commitment that intensified after the loss of his youngest son, Ross, in a waterfront accident in 1989.

Phillip Lelli's passing is a loss to all who knew him, and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family in their great loss. My thoughts and sympathies are also with other families across the Nation today who are mourning the loss of their loved ones on this day of reflection.

END