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[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 23, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7267-S7268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

        SPEECH OF AMY BRINDLEY TO STRIKING UNITED RUBBER WORKERS

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I would like to submit into 
the Record a statement from a 16-year-old in Des Moines named Amy 
Brindley. Amy is the daughter of a striking URW member who works at the 
Bridgestone/Firestone plant in Des Moines. She gave this moving speech 
in April to a rally of striking workers and their families. I think all 
Senators should read the words of this impressive young American. I ask 
that her statement be printed in the Record at this point.
  The statement follows:

                         Speech by Amy Brindley

       As a teenage daughter of a United Rubber Worker, who's been 
     on strike for the past 9 months, I'd like to point out that 
     this strike involves many, many people and is just NOT 
     limited to the union members and their employer. Bridgestone/
     Firestone has invaded the lives of the entire family with 
     their inexcusable hunger for corporate greed.
       I feel that is important to recognize the numerous family 
     members who have fallen victim to the ruthless demands set 
     forth by Bridgestone/Firestone.
       Being a teenager is never easy, but having to deal with the 
     additional stress this labor dispute has brought about, has 
     made it even more challenging. Many friendships have been 
     broken apart throughout this strike. I, myself, have had 
     friendships that have suffered great setbacks because of my 
     pro labor beliefs. I believe that it is the lack of education 
     that a lot of people have concerning the Union. I strongly 
     believe that we need to educate and promote the values and 
     the importance regarding unions. As members of the United 
     Rubber Workers are attempting to hold on to what fellow 
     members have fought to gain in the past years of joining 
     together at the bargaining table. If we don't educate people, 
     what will the future hold, not just for my generation but the 
     following generations also?
       I am a junior at Southeast Polk High School. As juniors, we 
     are offered the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and New 
     York for the United Nations Trip. This trip is only offered 
     to juniors. Because of the strike it was financially 
     impossible for me to go with my fellow classmates. It was 
     very [[Page S7268]] difficult for me to watch my friends, 
     including my best friend, as they prepared for this venture 
     with great anticipation, and again when they returned and 
     shared with me their special memories that I was not a part 
     of. Under different circumstances I would have been among my 
     fellow classmates, but again, due to Bridgestone/Firestone's 
     desire for complete control, I was cheated out of a 
     significant, once in a life time opportunity.
       One of Bridgestone/Firestone's most appalling scare tactics 
     that has personally touched myself and my family was the 
     elimination of health care benefits, 90 days into this 
     strike. My sister, Angie, and I are both insulin dependent 
     diabetics. Consequently, it is of utmost importance that we 
     have medical insurance to maintain and control this dreaded 
     disease. It has been impossible for us to find an alternate 
     insurance policy that covers our diabetes. Therefore, my 
     parents have been forced to pay the enormous monthly premiums 
     for the company's Cobra Coverage, adding to the already 
     overwhelming financial burdens families are facing during 
     this work stoppage due to this strike.
       I have briefly touched on just a ``few'' of the intrusions 
     this company has used to manipulate the lives of innocent 
     people. But, on the other hand, some things I don't think 
     this heartless company counted on, is that I've also gained 
     many things. Things that you can't put a material value on. 
     Such as, a new understanding of what the union is truly 
     about, the importance of solidarity, the significance of the 
     support that we've received from fellow unions and citizens. 
     The outpouring of generosity so many different individuals 
     have extended has been astounding. Even though Bridgestone/
     Firestone has taken away our paycheck and temporarily left us 
     financially strapped; they'll NEVER take away our dignity!
       Thank you.
       

                          ____________________
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